Fresno City Hall announced Friday that it will pay $1.2 million to settle a whistleblower and workplace‑retaliation claim filed by former city attorney staff member Tina Griffin. The settlement resolves Griffin’s allegations that City Attorney Andrew Janz took adverse actions against her after she questioned a proposed amendment to the city’s Transparency Act.
Background to the dispute
Griffin, who spent two decades working in the city attorney’s office, says she provided a legal analysis in mid‑December 2025 that warned the proposed amendment could create a conflict of interest for Mr. Janz and might violate state law. According to the settlement documents, that analysis triggered a series of actions by Janz that Griffin described as unlawful retaliation, including the removal of her authority and steps toward termination.
Griffin filed a confidential complaint with the City Council and the Personnel Director on December 19, alleging retaliation for her whistleblowing activity. She later filed a Government Tort claim, which the city has not yet investigated, asserting further retaliation after the initial complaint.
City’s response and settlement terms
The City Council issued a statement after business hours, emphasizing that the settlement is a “no‑fault” resolution and that the city continues to dispute any finding that Mr. Janz violated the law. An independent investigator’s report, referenced in the city’s news release, reportedly substantiated Griffin’s allegations and linked Janz’s actions to her legal opinion.
In the settlement, Griffin agreed to withdraw her Government Tort claim and to separate from city employment under the terms set forth. She said she was encouraged to remain in her role but chose to leave to avoid the expense and burden of further litigation.
Council’s perspective
City leaders noted that the council had tabled discussion of the Transparency Act amendment on December 18, one day before Griffin filed her complaint. The council’s decision to postpone the vote was presented as part of the broader context surrounding the dispute.
While the settlement includes a substantial payment, the city stresses that it does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by the city attorney’s office. No comment was provided from Attorney Janz.
Implications for Fresno governance
The settlement highlights the importance of transparent governance and the need for city officials to address concerns raised by long‑standing employees. Fresno residents and local watchdog groups may view the payout as a signal that the city is taking whistleblower complaints seriously, even as the administration maintains its stance that no laws were broken.
City Council members are expected to review policies related to the Transparency Act and employee protections to ensure future disputes are handled promptly and fairly.
Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.
