City of Odessa v. Barton

OPINION

LARSEN, Justice.

Defendant City of Odessa appeals from an adverse jury verdict on its former employee’s breach of contract claims. We affirm.

FACTS

On February 12, 1991, the City of Odessa terminated William Barton from his employment as a swimming pool specialist in the City’s parks and recreation department. The City of Odessa Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, which the City adopted by ordinance in January 1991, made Barton a “just cause” employee rather than an “at will” employee. Under the personnel manual, just cause employees could be discharged only for violations of…