Taxpayers now are on the hook for $470,000 to settle lawsuits brought by laid-off workers who alleged that Cook County Recorder of Deeds Eugene Moore dumped them to protect others with clout.

The County Board on Wednesday approved another $190,000 in payments to former employees who made the allegations against Moore.

One of the patronage suits was brought by Carmen Fludas, a 39-year office veteran laid off from a job as a troubleshooter and interpreter in March 2007. Fludas, who had won several employee commendations, will be paid $90,000 under her settlement. James D'Antonio, a 10-year employee who rose to assistant supervisor, will get $100,000.

Both alleged they were laid off so Moore and two others in his office could keep on the job politically connected employees who had less experience and fewer duties. Moore repeatedly has denied the patronage allegations. The firings took place after Moore's budget was cut.