Former Paso Robles city manager settles harassment claim for $365,000
The city of Paso Robles agreed to settle with now-former city manager Ty Lewis for more than $360,000.
Lewis retired from his position as the city’s top administrator on Jan. 26 after reaching the settlement for his $2.275 million claim, which was filed in August, in which he accused Councilmember Chris Bausch of harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Under California law, the settlement terms could not be publicly shared for eight days.
Under the settlement, Lewis will receive $365,955 for resigning from his position.
He received six months of wages and benefits, $139,043 and $6,912 for administrative time, $200,000 in additional damages and $20,000 for legal fee reimbursement, according to the settlement.
A city representative, Lewis and Bausch all signed the agreement.
Assistant city manager Chris Huot is currently serving as interim city manager following Lewis’ departure, and the City Council planned to vote Tuesday night on who will be appointed to the city manager position, according to the meeting agenda.
Lewis’ departure ends what was a 23-year career with the city that included also serving as police chief.
Settlement comes after Lewis filed claim against city
Lewis told The Tribune in October he came up with the $2.275 million number because it was equivalent to his pay for six years — the amount of time he had left before retirement.
The claim alleged that Bausch harassed Lewis to the point that he suffered medical complications. It was denied in September.
“I’m happy that the city and I were able to come to a resolution that helps the community move forward,” Lewis told The Tribune.
According to the agreement, neither Lewis nor Bausch can speak publicly about the details of the claim. The city also cannot comment on the claim.
The claim sparked local controversy in Paso Robles, with Lewis alleging Bausch and Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie worked together in a conspiracy plot to oust him from his position by spreading false rumors about him.
Bausch is alleged to have spread professional and personal rumors about Lewis to Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie, threatened Lewis on multiple occasions, shared false stories that Lewis participated in sex parties, and harassed Lewis based on the administrator’s religious and political beliefs, according to the claim.
Velie has denied the allegation, and Bausch declined to comment.
Ernest and Grace Hall, Paso Robles business owners who found themselves in the middle of this political controversy, told The Tribune they witnessed Velie spread false rumors about Lewis and that she would tell Bausch he would have to make “deals” to approve the couple’s marijuana dispensary license.
This story was originally published February 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
