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Steve Myers
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The City Council will investigate Mayor Don Williamson's financial practices, members announced during a news conference Wednesday.
Members said they had no choice, fearing Williamson's "irresponsible" and "possible illegal" actions will lead to deficits and another state takeover.
"We cannot allow this to happen again," Council President Johnnie Coleman said in reading from a news release.
But Williamson denied the council's accusations. He said the city is under budget by $1.5 million, adding the investigation is a "waste of time" and "will show their arrogance" by finding nothing amiss.
"If they do that and they see what's going on, they'll be very pleased and that'll end all this back stabbing," Williamson said.
The two sides are battling over the city's finances with a lawsuit pending in Genesee County Circuit Court.
The probe, which is expected to begin after the council formally approves it Monday, will include subpoenaing records and department heads with eventual hearings held. Members said a more definitive time frame will be announced Monday.
They also said it won't be costly, noting they will hold the hearings themselves. A previous probe into the finance department in 2001 and its aftermath cost the city more than $100,000 in outside attorney fees, but it made public numerous problems that had contributed to millions in deficit spending, which in turn led to the takeover.
The investigation is the second against Williamson. In November, the council questioned city officials under oath and workers over the mayor's use of generators for a Halloween trick or treat event at his home during a power outage.
Full Story:
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1105032048218990.xml |
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Fri Jan 07, 2005 8:32 am |
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