A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the former mayor of Springdale who claimed the city's staff was incompetent and sued.
At a hearing in 5th District Court this week, Judge James Shumate said the claims made by Robert Ralston were groundless."Let's get on with the really important things in life," he said.
Shumate's ruling came more than two years after Ralston said seven city workers - the water superintendent, the town water commissioner, council members, the town attorney and recorder - were incompetent.
Last April, the attorney general's office investigated claims ranging from malfeasance in office to misuse of public funds. Ronald Miller found they were either unfounded or mistakes committed without malice.
Shumate agreed.
"The Legislature should be apprised of the cost in bringing what amounts to a tempest in a teapot to this court," he said.
The defendants said they have finally been vindicated and are delighted the case is finally over.
Town clerk Sue Fraley said she felt it was unfortunate the suit damaged the town's reputation and was nothing but a financial burden to the taxpayers.
"It's been a lot of torture," she said. "The way it has been sensationalized has been very humiliating to us all."
The decision was a stinging defeat for Ralston and his attorney, Stephen Harris. They had even objected to the hearing because the state investigator did not question people under oath.
"Nothing was taken under oath, not a thing," Ralston said. "I was deprived of my day in court."
Harris said he will review Shumate's decision and may possibly appeal.
Shumate dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it can't be brought again. A civil suit containing similar accusations by Ralston was dismissed two years ago.