New Poplar Bluff mayor might file lawsuit against city

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff City Council members knew Ed DeGaris has been contemplating legal action against the city due to a disagreement over 12-hour shifts while he was a police officer, but they still elected him mayor Monday night.

A possible lawsuit was not discussed during the reorganizational meeting, but DeGaris and city manager Doug Bagby were asked about the situation following the regular council meeting.

If DeGaris does decide to proceed with litigation, it would likely be the first time a Poplar Bluff mayor has sued the city.

"I am still thinking about filing a lawsuit," said DeGaris, who is a retired police lieutenant.

In late December, Bagby said the city had been contacted by an attorney representing DeGaris, but no lawsuit had been filed. Bagby also said DeGaris had requested time sheets and other information which the city provided.

"I guess it is still pending. We have not heard anything since the article appeared in the newspaper," Bagby said. "We have been wondering where it is right now."

DeGaris does not think it will be problem for him or the council if he does decide to file a lawsuit.

"If a conflict of interest arises, I will leave the room and not vote just like I didn't vote on a union contract," DeGaris said. He abstained from voting because his son works for the city.

DeGaris was elected the Ward 2 councilman in April 2009 and is serving the last year of his three-year term. He was unopposed during the election. He served as mayor pro tem during the past year.

"This issue came up before I was elected to the council. Getting on the council has made it a lot harder to pursue," DeGaris said. "Now that they have elected me mayor, it may make it even rougher."

DeGaris also didn't agree with how vacation and sick time were taken, according to Bagby.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, MO