St. Paul City Council approves taxpayer funds for mayor's legal defense amid police chief's sexual harassment suit

St. Paul, Minnesota, taxpayers could be responsible for paying hundreds of dollars an hour in legal fees after the city council voted Wednesday to appoint an outside law firm to defend Mayor Kaohly Her in a recently filed lawsuit.

The council approved hiring Fisher Phillips to represent Her at city expense following the lawsuit filed last week by St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry. 

The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and retaliation by Her, citing sexualized photos and unwanted touching. Earlier this month, the mayor's office released findings from an internal investigation that concluded the allegations were "unsubstantiated."

A spokesperson for Her said the mayor has fully cooperated with investigators and has released all information provided to her regarding the investigation's findings.

Council members said voting yes Wednesday was an obligation under Minnesota law.

"We are indeed currently experiencing something that is unprecedented and truly not something that has happened before," Council Member Cheniqua Johnson said before the vote.

Several council members expressed frustration over the situation and the potential cost to the city.

Council President Rebecca Noecker said state statute requires the city to provide a legal defense for employees in certain circumstances.

"I wish that we were spending money on literally anything else, especially as we consider a very, very difficult budget year," Noecker said.

Council members said they have been kept in the dark regarding how much the litigation is expected to cost. This comes as St. Paul faces a projected $26 million budget shortfall in 2027, Noecker said.

"The frustrations that we're hearing from people are that they are struggling to afford every single cost right now," Noecker said. "They're struggling to afford gas and groceries and childcare and rent."

Taxpayers could still avoid footing the bill for the mayor's defense. Next week, council members are expected to consider hiring a separate outside law firm to determine whether the city is ultimately required to pay for Her's legal representation. That review is a required step in the process.

Noecker said she is not calling for the mayor to resign.

"I think that she needs to be accountable for her actions and we will have a due process to figure out what that means."

Her has until Oct. 16 to respond to the lawsuit, Noecker said.