[mi] Former Employer Sent Me A Bill For A Class They Made Me Take Even Though I Never Signed/agreed To Anything Saying I Would Pay Them Back If I Quit

Hello!

I'll start by saying I've had former jobs where I've had to sign NDAs/non-competes, things of that nature, I pay close attention to what employers have me sign.

My most recent employer was transitioning to a new software platform, one I had no experience in. I was unhappy with this job before that and gave my two weeks notice. I was unhappy with the some of the management styles of people above me, the new culture that had taken hold there, and yes, the software change.

They begged me to stay, told me that I was a really valuable member of the team, etc, and that they would take my feedback into account, and that they would get me trained up on the new software.

I said I would stay and they paid for me to take an online course in the new software. They picked the course and paid for it. I never signed or agreed to anything regarding repaying them for it if I left within x amount of timeframe. At that point I would have insisted on checking the cost or quality of the course. But there was no discussion or agreement along those lines.

Three months went past, I still don't like the culture, the management, or the new software tools so I put my two weeks notice in again. People were very unhappy, there were comments that I was "screwing" the company, "letting down the team", etc. Finally it was just clear that this working relationship wasn't going to be fruitful these final ten business days so I just told my boss I was going to be unable to finish my two weeks and I turned in my laptop and badge and left.

That was about six weeks ago. I received a certified letter from them this week with an invoice for $2,250 (!) saying that because I voluntarily quit within 12 months of taking the course I have to reimburse them for the cost of the course. If they don't "they may explore legal options." Yeah, like I said, I never agreed in writing or verbally to repay them for the cost of this course. I emailed my former boss where exactly I agreed to this and haven't heard anything back.

Am I safe to just ignore this? If they sue me, it'll be in small claims court right? And I can go in there and tell the judge I've never signed anything saying I would repay them?