TONOPAH -- Nye County commissioners Tuesday agreed to a $66,000 settlement agreement with former Pahrump Valley museum employee George John Weisser.

Weisser sued the Pahrump Valley Museum and Historical Society, a non-profit corporation along with former treasurer Phil Huff and Nye County, saying he was unlawfully terminated, denied due process, and for publication of false statements regarding his work performance and interference with his contractual relationship with Nye County.

The suit forced the temporary closure of the Pahrump Valley Museum last summer while board members sought clarification on their insurance coverage.

Weisser's suit said he was hired part-time as a typist on Nov. 16, 2005. On July 26, 2006, the Pahrump Museum board of directors approved an increase in his work week to eight hours per day, but Weisser claims Huff then contacted Nye County commissioner Gary Hollis to remove the item from the Aug. 22, 2006, commission agenda. Weisser said Huff was given authority to supervise his performance.

Weisser said he made several complaints over Huff's conduct to Shane Laura, who worked for the Nye County personnel department. Weisser claims Huff assaulted and defamed him at the Pahrump Walmart store Feb. 22, 2007. On Feb. 28, 2007, Weisser said he received a written reprimand from Huff listing 31 policy infractions.

Weisser was terminated May 23, 2007. The suit claims he was coerced into signing an acknowledgement of his termination due a personal conflict with one of the museum directors.

In his suit, Weisser asked for county medical and retirement benefits; due process over his termination; attorney's fees and costs; along with reinstatement as a county employee.

Weisser claimed the actions caused him to be hospitalized and on sick leave for over four weeks.

The lawsuit claims the Pahrump Valley Museum and Historical Society had an obligation to supervise Huff's conduct. Nye County itself was faulted in the suit, for allegedly providing negligent training and failing to ensure Weisser's grievances against museum board members were investigated.

Huff declined to comment.

Nye County Chief Civil Deputy District Attorney Ron Kent told county commissioners the settlement was the recommendation of the district attorney's office as well as attorneys for the Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool.

Commissioner Hollis made the motion to approve the settlement.