Former finance director sues Campton Hills over pay

Attorneys for Campton Hills will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the village's former finance director, who claims in a lawsuit that she's owed more than $16,000 in pay, officials said Wednesday.

Kathy Catalano was removed from the position last month when trustees chose not reappoint her, according to the village. Her attorney says she quit because the village stopped paying her.

The dispute prompted Catalano to sue earlier this month, seeking about $16,300 she says the village owes her. Trustees responded late Tuesday by authorizing the negotiation of a potential settlement, said Village Attorney Bill Braithwaite, who added there's been no suggestion of financial impropriety.

"The issue before the village relates to performance matters," he said. "The village has no information at this time that would indicate anything illegal."

Catalano was hired as finance director, and appointed treasurer, after Campton Hills incorporated in May 2007. According to village officials, she was to receive an hourly rate of $45, with a cap of $30,000 in the remainder of that fiscal year, and $45,000 in the next one.

Catalano attorney Michael Kraft said Wednesday the village eventually stopped paying her. He said she is suing for more than $16,000 owed, interest and court costs.

"Like anybody who performs services and doesn't get paid, at some point in time you've got to mitigate your losses," Kraft said. "It's truly unfortunate that the village residents are once again subject to having more tax dollars spent on legal fees defending a claim to which the village has no valid defense."

Braithwaite would not discuss specifics of the issue, but officials have said Catalano billed the village for more than her contract allowed. Her lawsuit does not address a $45,000 cap.

"The village president (Patsy Smith) felt it was in the best interest of the village that (Catalano) be removed for reasons that were communicated to the treasurer and the board," Braithwaite said.

The case will be in court Aug. 11.