City declines further appeals in alleged Burbank Police corruption case

The Burbank City Council voted last week to not seek any further appeals in a case that ended with a $1.3-million award to a former deputy police chief who alleged corruption within the Burbank Police Department.

In May, a three-judge panel on the Court of Appeal denied the city’s appeal in the case of William Taylor, who joined the department in 1984 and claimed he was demoted and later fired for complaining about discrimination and sexual harassment within the force and for not signing off on the terminations of minority employees.

Two years ago, a jury ruled 9-3 in favor of Taylor, who was awarded $1.3 million in damages as well as $852,474 in attorney’s fees. That total cost will rise due to interest.

The City Council voted in closed session June 10 not to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.

“We will not be going forward with any further appeals and once the case is remanded to superior court, the city will be complying with the original judgment,” said City Atty. Amy Albano during the meeting.

Taylor’s attorney, Doug Benedon, said he’s glad the city is dropping the matter and called the decision a realistic decision.

“The city did what it could do to defend its interest, but now, I think they made an intelligent choice to end litigation,” Benedon said.

Benedon added the city would have to pay additional attorney’s fees for the initial appeals trial.

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Follow Arin Mikailian on Twitter: @ArinMikailian.

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