Former Bradley, Ark., Mayor Renee Ikegulu-Harris plans to file a lawsuit against the city to recoup $10,200 in back pay she is allegedly owed, according to a statement released Thursday.
The former mayor's intention to sue comes on the heels of Bradley city officials meeting on Tuesday and voting to offer Ikegulu-Harris a total of $3,500 in monthly installments of $200.
"The city is in no position to pay a lump sum at this time, which should come as no surprise to Mrs. Ikegulu," reads a Jan. 30 letter from Jacob S. Potter , the city's attorney.
However, Ikegulu-Harris and her attorneys have apparently rejected the city's $3,200 offer.
"I, nor my attorney, has or will respond to this and shall move forward to sue" Ikegulu-Harris wrote in Thursday's statement.
City officials could not be immediately reached for comment late Thursday. However, Potter and the current mayor declined comment for previous articles about this matter.
Ikegulu-Harris alleges she was not paid for 17 months as mayor-a total of $10,200-initially because the city was not in a financial position to pay her at the time, according to the Dec. 13, 2018, council minutes. She alleges she was not receiving her $600 monthly salary until the city's finances were in the black as recorded and agreed upon by all the council members at the time.
She was defeated by nine votes in the election for a second term, losing to Jason Martin, 72-63.
"I'm sure by now Mayor (Jason) Martin has received 1-month pay for the month of January in the amount of $600. What they're offering is $400 less each month for the time I served as mayor" Ikegulu-Harris wrote in Thursday' statement. "Basically, what I gather is $3,500/ $200 a month = 17.5 months; not close to the total amount of $10,200 owed."
She and her attorneys had requested the full payment be mailed no later than Thursday.
Ikegulu-Harris is represented by Jason Jouett of the Lisle Rutledge Law Firm of Springdale, Ark.