County settles with former Animal Control Director for $120k

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County has reached a settlement with its former Animal Control Director.

According to an item in the consent agenda for the County Commission meeting Monday, the county’s insurer settled an administrative appeal filed by Jean McNeil, who was fired in January.

McNeil will get $120,000 to settle her appeal. The county paid a $25,000 insurance deductible toward the settlement. In exchange, McNeil, who signed the settlement December 4, agreed not to pursue any other action against the county, the Health Department, the Board of Health or Health Director David Rice.

Before her termination, McNeil said Rice suspended her in December 2011 in retaliation for raising concerns about her workers not getting emergency pay during Hurricane Irene.