WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) - Wausau's former engineer is suing to get his job back.

Dale Lehman, who went by the name Tony when he worked for the city, was permanently laid off November 30 because his position was not budgeted in 2010.

Through his attorney, Lehman filed a claim with the city Tuesday asking that he be reinstated or receive $1.8 million in damages.

The claim alleges that the city breached its contract when it laid Lehman off.

Mayor Jim Tipple declined to comment on the claim because it is an ongoing legal matter.

The city has 120 days to respond to the claim. If it doesn't, Lehman is free to pursue a civil lawsuit against the city.