Columbia to pay thousands in former emergency director settlement

The city of Columbia will pay hundreds of thousands to settle a lawsuit between it and its former emergency management director.

Zim Schwartze, the former director and police captain, settled her wrongful termination lawsuit on November 3. Schwartze claimed City Manager Mike Matthes and police chief Ken Burton forced her out of employment in 2012.

City spokesman Steve Sapp told ABC 17 News that they will pay Schwartze $325,000 in the settlement. Sapp would not disclose any other terms of the settlement.

Schwartze now leads the 911 center in Greene County. The Missouri 911 Operators honored her as one of the best in the state earlier this year at a ceremony in Columbia. She told ABC 17 News Wednesday she appreciates the support people in Columbia still provide, even years after her departure from town.