Lawsuit by former city administrator dismissed

A lawsuit filed by former Braidwood City Administrator Tony Altiery against the City of Braidwood has been dismissed with prejudice, according to a statement released by the city on Aug. 19.
The ruling means Altiery is barred from refiling the same lawsuit, although he retains the right to appeal the decision within 30 days.
According to the city, the court determined that Altiery did not have an employment contract with the City of Braidwood and that Mayor Todd Lyons, acting with the approval of a majority of the city council, had the authority to remove him from the position at issue.
The lawsuit stemmed from political turmoil that followed the April 2025 municipal election. Altiery, who had served as Braidwood's city administrator, was appointed by the outgoing city council on April 8, 2025, to newly created positions overseeing streets and public improvements. The positions carried a salary of $119,000 along with benefits including vacation time, sick leave, clothing and boot allowances, and health insurance.
Following the election, the newly seated city administration moved to terminate Altiery. According to court filings reported at the time, Altiery was notified that his employment was at-will and could be terminated with or without cause.
Altiery's lawsuit was filed in Will County Circuit Court in late July 2025 by attorney John Schrock. The complaint sought injunctive relief, arguing that the city's action was improper and requesting that Altiery be reinstated to his position. The suit also sought damages for lost wages, benefits, attorney fees and costs.
The legal challenge centered on whether the city had lawfully terminated Altiery and whether he possessed employment protections beyond those afforded to an at-will employee. Court filings argued that certain council votes taken during the transition in city government were ineffective and that Altiery should be restored to his position.
In announcing the dismissal, city officials emphasized that the court found no employment contract existed between Altiery and the city and upheld the mayor's authority, with council approval, to remove him from the position.