Peacock will receive $249,000 via settlement with Northwest Michigan health board

GAYLORD — Lisa Peacock will be paid $249,000 as part of her settlement agreement with the board of health for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

The board voted 7-0 on April 26 to approve the pact with Peacock, who resigned in February as health officer along with her health officer role with the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. Her last day was April 29.

The agreement releases all board of health members — past and present, the staff of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW), all HDNW entities, along with officials and staff from Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego counties, from any liability, claims or damages stemming from Peacock's departure.

The agreement also calls on Peacock, board of health members, and the HDNW to refrain from making disparaging remarks about each other to the public or media. Both sides will pay their own attorney fees.

"The parties have decided to compromise and settle their disputed issues, avoid litigation and move forward in the best interest of the health department. We believe this is also in the best interest of all concerned," the board of health said in a statement.

More: 'I just can't stay': Peacock resigns as health officer of Health Department of Northwest Michigan

Peacock resigned after saying she had endured a "hostile work environment created by some members" of the department’s board of health. She faced criticism from some members of the board and the public due to a school mask mandate she ordered in August 2021, just a few days before the start of the school year.

Peacock has over 28 years of experience in health care, both as a nurse and member of the health department. She had been employed at the department for 12 years, including more than six years as health officer.

The board of health consists of two county commissioners from the four counties that make up the health department's jurisdiction: Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego. Those members are appointed by their respective county boards of commissions.

The Gaylord Herald Times obtained the agreement between Peacock and the health board under the Freedom of Information Act.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Peacock will receive $249,000 via settlement with health board