A former finance director is taking legal action against a city government, alleging retaliation and wrongful termination. Pamela Greer filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on September 5, 2025, against the City of Ojai. The lawsuit accuses the city of violating California Labor Code § 1102.5 by retaliating against her for reporting illegal activities.
The complaint details a series of alleged incidents that began when Ben Harvey assumed the role of City Manager in January 2024. Greer claims that Harvey questioned her role as Finance Director and pressured her to approve questionable reimbursements and allowances without proper documentation. When she insisted on adhering to city policies and financial regulations, Harvey allegedly responded with hostility and began undermining her authority.
Greer’s allegations include accusations that Harvey falsely claimed to have discovered $8 million missing from the city’s budget, casting aspersions on her integrity. She also describes how he systematically reduced staffing in the Finance Department, leaving it understaffed and overworked. Furthermore, Greer contends that Harvey encouraged practices contrary to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules.
The plaintiff recounts numerous instances where she reported these issues to higher authorities within the city administration but was met with indifference or outright hostility. She claims that despite her efforts to maintain transparency and legality in financial matters, she faced ridicule, defamation, excessive scrutiny, and ultimately termination from her position under false pretenses.
In response to these alleged retaliatory actions, Greer seeks judgment against the City of Ojai for general damages exceeding the minimum amounts for an unlimited civil case. She requests compensation for economic losses including past and future lost wages, medical expenses related to stress-induced health issues, emotional distress damages, attorneys’ fees, costs incurred during litigation proceedings as well as prejudgment interest according to proof.
Representing Pamela Greer are attorneys Matthew S. McNicholas, Douglas D. Winter, and Jon E. Drucker from McNicholas & McNicholas LLP law firm based in Los Angeles. The case is filed under Case No.: 202745 CLIOEOso047oO at Ventura Superior Court with Judge AVN presiding over proceedings while Deputy Clerk ei id manages administrative tasks associated with this legal matter.
Source: 2025CUOE050470_Pamela_Greer_v_City_of_Ojai_Complaint_County_of_Ventura_California.pdf
