Dirty Laundry Airs At ExpoPark

The county-owned and -operated ExpoPark is home to the Montana State Fair and other community events and includes the Four Seasons Arena. Bracco submitted a limited waiver of her right to privacy and a motion to dismiss claims with prejudice as part of a settlement of cross-complaints in connection with her termination by the county May 19.

The documents were made public under pressure, according to the Great Falls Tribune that demanded they be released.

The county said it reviewed “numerous” allegations against Bracco made by ExpoPark employees over several years with some pursuing legal action against the county for wrongful termination and in some cases human rights violations, though the exact charges aren’t spelled out.

Among other charges were that Bracco gave and accepted improper gifts from subordinates, accepted gifts and gratuities in exchange for sponsorship and Montana State Fair advertising, took county property for personal use and intimidated subordinates who eventually left ExpoPark and sued the county, according to the paper.

Bracco, through a letter from her attorney, disputed the charges.

However, she was placed on administrative leave while the charges were investigated and fired in May.

Bracco in turn sued county commissioners for wrongful termination, and charged the county for wrongful termination. The document release was part of a settlement that commissioners approved unanimously to accept.