The town’s insurance company has shelled out $130,000 to settle a suit with two former employees fired for gossiping.

Joanne Drewniak and Jessica Skorupski, two of the socalled Hooksett fired four, each received $65,000 for back pay, compensatory damages and attorney’s fees.

“This release and settlement of the litigation is not to be construed, considered or understood by (Drewniak and Skorupski), the town, any releasees, any news agencies, the general public, or any other person or entity, as an admission of liability, wrongdoing, or culpability on the part of the town or any other person or entity,” the settlement reads in part.

Drewniak collected $10,000 for lost pay, $41,500 for alleged compensatory damages and $13,500 for legal fees. Skorupski got $5,000 for lost pay, $46,000 for alleged compensatory damages and $13,500 for legal fees.

The town agreed to let the women resign from their jobs effective Feb. 12, 2008, and will remove the termination letters from their employment files. Both women will be given favorable letters of reference.

Drewniak and Skorupski absolved the town of all future claims and promised to never seek re-employment with the town. Drewniak’s settlement also includes a waiver of rights under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

Taxpayers won’t be on the hook for this settlement, which is being paid through the town’s liability insurer, the Local Government Center.

The women were fired last April, along with town assessor Sandra Piper and code enforcement officer Michelle Bonsteel.

Together, the four had worked nearly 50 years for the town. All four women filed suit against the town and all four were scheduled to attend mediation earlier this year to try to reach a financial settlement.

Attorney Jon Meyer, who represents Piper and Bonsteel, wouldn’t confirm earlier this month if his clients had been to mediation, but said their federal lawsuit is still pending.