Kamloops taxpayers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars defending against lawsuits brought by Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson. The question now is how much of that money he may ultimately have to repay.

According to a recent tally, the City of Kamloops has paid around $330,000 to Coun. Katie Neustaeter’s legal team since 2023 to defend two defamation lawsuits filed by Hamer-Jackson, including one that is now under appeal.

Council agreed to cover Neustaeter’s legal costs because she was being sued over matters arising from her work for the city.

Neustaeter estimates the first, now-dismissed lawsuit cost at least $250,000. A judge ordered Hamer-Jackson to pay the full amount of Neustaeter’s legal costs in that case, as well as $5,000 in damages to Neustaeter personally.

She hasn’t said what, if anything, she plans to do with with the damages award.

A second lawsuit remains before the courts and has been largely inactive since January. If Hamer-Jackson is unsuccessful, he could again face a significant costs award, adding to his financial obligations.

Hamer-Jackson’s financial difficulties are well documented. He has said he has not paid his own lawyers in the case, while his mayoral salary was reduced following sanctions over his conduct. His private business has also struggled.

The mayor has also previously owed money to the City of Kamloops, including outstanding property taxes that resulted in his home being placed up for tax sale. The taxes were subsequently paid.

Council also took the unusual step of authorizing the city to garnish wages from politicians who owe outstanding amounts to the municipality.

City corporate officer Maria Mazzotta confirmed the city has paid about $330,000 to Neustaeter’s legal team at Vancouver-based law firm Harper Grey. She was unable to provide a breakdown of the amount paid for each lawsuit.

Hamer-Jackson’s first lawsuit against Neustaeter is currently under appeal.

His second lawsuit, filed last year, has been inactive in court since January.

Both Hamer-Jackson and Neustaeter are seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election. Hamer-Jackson is running for mayor, while Neustaeter is seeking another term on council.