Two top former Louisiana employees have filed lawsuits against the city.

Bob Jenne and Sharon Kakouris claim they were illegally dismissed due to age discrimination and allege retaliation by city officials.

Kakouris also charges sex discrimination and says the fact she’s a woman contributed to alleged actions against her.

Both plaintiffs claim discrimination is part of a common and ingrained problem at City Hall.

Mayor Bart Niedner denied the accusations and said he found them “bewildering.” He promised to respond further after consulting with his attorney.

Jenne was fired as city administrator in January 2015 after allegations that he mishandled government-mandated water plant improvements.

Jenne denied the charges and sought a city council hearing. The dismissal was upheld in February 2015, not long after Jenne turned 65 years old. A month later, he resigned as administrative police chief.

Kakouris was let go after 14 years as city clerk in May 2015 when Niedner did not reappoint her. She was 58 at the time, and charges the move was due in part to her comments about alleged discrimination against Jenne.

Jenne names Niedner and four  councilmen or former councilmen in his suit. Kakouris names Niedner and current city administrator Kelly Henderson.

The plaintiffs say they received Missouri Commission on Human Rights notice of the right to sue last month. The lawsuits were filed this week. Both are represented by a Chesterfield lawyer and are seeking 50 thousand to 100 thousand dollars plus other damages.

Court hearings have not been scheduled.