This is where your education tax money is going. Note these are hush hush payments, the public, the parents, the taxpayers are not to know why money needed for the classroom is used for legal settlements instead.
“The city of Santa Barbara has paid out nearly $800,000 to two employees in separate hush-hush settlements.
Noozhawk obtained the settlement agreements involving former Library Director Jessica Cadiente and former Public Works Director Cliff Maurer.
Cadiente was paid $500,000 in her departure from the city, an amount that includes attorney fees.
She also was on a paid leave of absence for nearly a year. According to public records, she earned about $241,000 annually, with pay and benefits.”
The bigger question is how many other secret payments have been made—and why. It is our money we deserve the truth.
Santa Barbara Pays 2 Department Heads Nearly $800,000 in Employment Settlements
Payments were made to former Public Works Director Cliff Maurer and former Library Director Jessica Cadiente
by Joshua Molina, Noozhawk, 3/16/25 https://www.noozhawk.com/santa-barbara-pays-2-department-heads-nearly-800000-in-employment-settlements/
The city of Santa Barbara has paid out nearly $800,000 to two employees in separate hush-hush settlements.
Noozhawk obtained the settlement agreements involving former Library Director Jessica Cadiente and former Public Works Director Cliff Maurer.
Cadiente was paid $500,000 in her departure from the city, an amount that includes attorney fees.
She also was on a paid leave of absence for nearly a year. According to public records, she earned about $241,000 annually, with pay and benefits.
Maurer received his complete annual salary, about $281,000, for the upcoming year.
City Administrator Kelly McAdoo released the settlement agreements at Noozhawk’s request.
“I can’t comment on the content or intent of the settlements,” McAdoo said.
According to Cadiente’s settlement agreement, she will receive “payment of $500,000 that is inclusive of any attorney fees.”
She will also receive 18 months of continued medical coverage under the city’s policy after separation.
The city of Santa Barbara will defend and indemnify Cadiente against any litigation in which she and/or the city is named as a defendant for actions Cadiente took in any role held with the city.
The city also agreed to respond to any future employment inquiries by providing a neutral employment reference — just confirming dates of employment and positions held.
Also according to the settlement, the proceeds shall be issued in four separate checks.
One will go to Cadiente’s counsel, the law firm of Christina Humphrey, for fees and costs in the amount of $171,204.16.
Another payment, in the amount of $295,916.26, was to be mailed to Cadiente’s home, along with another payment of $32,879.58 for alleged lost wages to Cadiente, according to the settlement agreement.
The final payment of $35,613 represents the city’s contribution for medical costs for an 18-month period if Cadiente chooses to enroll into CalPERS.
The specific reasons why the city of Santa Barbara would pay out Cadiente are unclear.
“The parties agree to mutual non-disparagement,” the settlement states. “Neither side will make or encourage any comment regarding this matter. City will not issue any official public statement.”
Cadiente’s last day of official employment was Feb. 19, 2025.
Maurer’s last official day was Feb. 12. His resignation surprised city officials.
The city agreed to pay him a year of total compensation in a lump sum of $281,498.46.
In addition to that, the city paid him the equivalent of 18 months of dental and vision coverage in a lump sum of $1,878.12.
The settlement agreement states that Maurer will also be entitled to a conversion of his accrued sick leave, and will have the option of choosing either a monthly lifetime annuity or a lump sum cash-out.
The city will also pay Maurer’s attorney fees, not to exceeed $10,000.
“Regardless of employee’s signature on this Agreement, city shall pay employee upon his separation of employment, all accrued vacation hours.
“The city will respond to any future employment inquiries by providing a neutral employment reference just confirming dates of employment and positions held,” the settlement states.
Cadiente and Molly Wetta, library services manager, were placed on leave in March 2024. City officials have never disclosed the reasons, saying it is a personnel matter.
Cadiente through her attorney released a statement after the settlement.
“This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one for me and my family at this time,” Cadiente said. “I am grateful for the support of the library team, the Library Board, the Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, and the Santa Barbara community.
“I look forward to witnessing the continued success of SBPL.”
It also said the decision to step down comes as she chooses to prioritize her health and focus on ongoing complications from cancer treatment, as well as to explore new opportunities.
Multiple sources told Noozhawk last year that the strain of the delayed Michael Towbes Library Plaza heightened stress and tension for people who work in the library, and Cadiente and Wetta were outspoken about the noise, exposure to dust and overall workplace environment.
The Plaza eventually opened in late October.
Those concerns about the delays reportedly sparked the ire of Public Works officials and former City Administrator Rebecca Bjork.
Maurer sent an email to his staff to tell them he was leaving.
“It is not easy for me to deliver you this news,” Maurer wrote in an email obtained by Noozhawk. “My last day as your director and member of the city of Santa Barbara will be Wednesday, 2/12.”
The email goes on to say: “The public works profession is both noble and unheralded, but rest assured, I know the complexity of services and depth of responsibility each of you carry and fulfill in the execution of your duties.”
Multiple sources told Noozhawk that Maurer’s exit was negotiated between him and McAdoo amid a series of issues in the Public Works Department. Maurer’s announcement that he was leaving came as a surprise, sources said.
McAdoo declined to comment on any specific details related to Maurer’s departure. She said he “resigned” to pursue other opportunities.
“I will not discuss anything else out of respect for Cliff’s right to privacy as an employee,” McAdoo said.
