Landers v. Montgomery Cty. Veterans Serv. Comm.

Citations

• 2025 Ohio 4971

Syllabus

The trial court did not err in granting summary judgment in favor of appellees in appellant's defamation claim. The statements made by a commissioner and employee were protected by a qualified privilege. The trial court did err in granting more than $200,000 in back pay as a result of Open Meetings Act violations because such an award is not contemplated by the statute. Finally, the trial court did not err when it failed to grant appellant attorney fees, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, salary, and benefits. Attorney fees are not available for pro se litigants, and pre- and post-judgment interest, salary, and benefits are not contemplated by the statute. Judgment reversed as to back pay but affirmed in all other respects. The case will, however, be remanded to the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission to terminate appellant in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.