Why the ACC Commission Settled With Fired Officer Taylor Saulters

With little notice and even less explanation, the Athens-Clarke County Commission voted Mar. 5 to settle a lawsuit filed by former ACC police officer Taylor Saulters for $250,000. Saulters was fired in June after his patrol car hit a fleeing suspect, Timmy Patmon, who was wanted on a probation violation warrant, on Nellie B Avenue. The vote was 5–2, with commissioners Melissa Link, Allison Wright, Russell Edwards, Ovita Thornton and Mike Hamby voting in favor, and Tim Denson and Patrick Davenport voting against the settlement. Commissioner Mariah Parker abstained, Commissioner Andy Herod was absent, and Commissioner Jerry NeSmith did not vot…