The Newton City Finance Committee voted 7-0 on March 10 to transfer and expend $45,000 to settle a workers' compensation claim involving a former sewer division employee.

Kelly Brown, the city's workers' compensation and medical leave manager, presented the item and said the claim began with a work-related right-elbow injury and that, about two to three weeks into the claim, the employee reported a separate back injury sustained while doing home exercises. Brown said the city initially denied the back portion for lack of supporting medical evidence, but that the employee and counsel later submitted medical documentation and the case advanced through the Industrial Accident Board.

Brown explained the city's exposure under workers' compensation law, saying a partial disability exposure under "Section 35" could have required payments for up to five years and, at the employee's weekly rate, would have amounted to roughly $183,000. To avoid ongoing exposure and protracted litigation, Brown said the parties negotiated and agreed to a $45,000 settlement. She also noted medical records revealed prior chiropractic treatment, which she said raised concerns about future claims.

The chair called for a motion, the committee approved the settlement by voice vote, and the chair announced the tally as 7 to 0.

Brown said the employee has since resigned and that the settlement also resolves potential future exposure tied to the claimed back injury.