Former Oak Harbor employee seeks $4 million in tort claim

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 7, 2026

Liflor Barrera is seeking $4 million in damages from the city of Oak Harbor, alleging she was retaliated against and wrongfully terminated as a human resources analyst and that the city hindered workplace safety efforts, according to a tort claim obtained through a public records request.

The filing alleges the city blocked the implementation of “life-critical safety policies” and assigned Barrera duties outside her job responsibilities to prevent her from carrying out similar safety work.

Barrera’s employment began November 2021, and the city terminated her on June 3.

Magi Aguilar, the city’s communications officer, said she did not believe the city could comment due to the “potentially litigious” nature of the claim. No further comment was provided.

Barrera’s claim is dated June 23; the News-Times received it in a public records request filed June 30 and fulfilled Aug. 4. Under state law, a lawsuit can be filed 60 days after a claim is made. Miriam Miller, Barrera’s attorney, said there has been no communication from the city regarding the claim.

Although the claim does not mention former Human Resources Director Emma House by name, previously obtained emails show that the city investigated or is investigating allegations put forth by Barrera against House for creating a hostile workplace environment.

House was on administrative leave before she resigned in April, according to her separation agreement.

City council authorized the hiring of its new human resources director, Kristina Hines, in May.

Much of the filing focuses on allegations that the city endangered employees. The claim alleges the city hindered implementation of its 2025 Comprehensive Confined Space Policy. It adds that the city allegedly also “neutralized” Barrera’s “operational capacity to perform life-safety and labor relations functions” by making her use “defective hardware” and focus on “low-level administrative duties.”

The filing alleges city officials retaliated after Barrera transmitted safety notices. It claims she was subjected to a “public verbal assault designed to humiliate” her in November.

The claim also alleges the city initiated a Loudermill hearing while Barrera was on leave protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. A Loudermill hearing gives public employees an opportunity to respond before they are terminated or otherwise disciplined.

The claim alleges city administrators willfully ignored grievances and written rebuttals Barrera submitted.