CLEARFIELD – On Thursday Clearfield Borough Council issued a statement regarding Mayor Patty Gilliland’s recent statement regarding the withdrawal of her lawuit. It reads as follows:
“Press releases have indicated that Mayor Gilliland has withdrawn her lawsuit. Borough council is grateful that this lawsuit is finally over, and we can now concentrate on building and improving Clearfield Borough.
“Clearfield Borough Council was prepared to vigorously defend our position in this lawsuit because we felt that it was important to protect the inner core of the Police Station. This inner core houses evidence, confidential files, ammunition, and other sensitive material. Mayor Gilliland’s ability to do her job was in no way affected by this action. Although otherwise noted, Mayor Gilliland’s lawsuit demanded “full” unsupervised, unlimited and unconditional access to the Clearfield Borough Police Department”. This lawsuit has cost the taxpayers over $9000 in legal fees and countless hours of employee time.
“Council also elected to have the chief of police prepare the schedule of work; however, Mayor Gilliland was provided a copy of the schedule for review. At that time she had the ability to make changes that she felt were necessary.
“Questions have been asked regarding the Mayor’s salary and her absence at meetings. Clearfield Borough pays the elected officials according to the adopted ordinance. Payment to Mayor Gilliland has been made.
“Council is looking forward to a positive and prosperous new year, and we look forward to working together in the future.”