I relly don’t think a judge will let this stand if the County is challenged on it. A mistake from last year, or even three years ago? Sure. But a mistake from 16 years ago?
How many of the 180 employees no longer works for the County? How many are retired? How many are dead?
Those who remain can rightfully claim that it is an inequitable demand as there are many who will not be obligated to “pay up”.
180 employees? $39,000? That equals an average of $216.66 per employee
Even if I was a current employee, I’d tell the County to piss off.