The dispute between the City of Taylor Mayor and City
Council over federal grant money continues.
Last month, a Wayne County Judge ordered Mayor Jeff Lamarand
to accept $8.1 million in federal grant money to hire back 32 Taylor firefighters
that have been laid off. The Mayor has
refused to accept the federal money because of additional costs in excess of $1
million not covered by the grant.
When the grant money runs out in two years, the mayor believes the City
will be in a worse position.
Acceptance of the grant requires certification by the Mayor
that the City can afford the costs not covered by the grant. Mayor Lamarand does not believe he can
truthfully make this certification.
On Monday, Mayor Lamarand was required to attend a show
cause hearing in Wayne County Circuit Court.
He was ordered to accept the grant within 24 hours or face contempt
proceedings.
If Mayor Lamarand does not comply with the court order and
accept the grant money, he may be found in contempt and jailed. Chris Frescoln, partner in charge of complex
litigation at Fausone Bohn, LLP, is defending the Mayor.
Late last night, the Mayor indicated that with the express
understanding that a Memorandum of Understanding is passed by the Firefighter’s
Union addressing these additional costs, the Mayor will accept the grant.
The contempt hearing is scheduled for Friday, August 10 at
1:00 p.m.
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