In a heated emergency council meeting on December 6, 2024, the City of Riviera Beach grappled with the implications of a lawsuit concerning the qualification of candidates for upcoming elections. Councilwoman Lanier expressed deep concern over the city’s stance regarding the city clerk's decision to qualify candidates who used debit cards for their filing fees, a method she argued is lawful and should be supported by the council.

Lanier called for explicit direction to back the city clerk's actions, emphasizing the council's responsibility to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. She criticized the city’s legal counsel for remaining neutral during the ongoing litigation, arguing that the city should actively defend the clerk's decision rather than leaving her without support.

The discussion revealed a divide among council members regarding the legal strategy being employed. Some members, including Lanier, insisted that the city attorney should advocate for the clerk's decision, while others raised concerns about the potential ethical implications of taking a position contrary to legal advice. The city attorney, Wynne, clarified that her role is to provide legal guidance and that she had recommended additional counsel for the clerk after she was added as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted the community's frustration with the ongoing legal battles, with residents urging the council to focus on pressing issues rather than internal disputes. Candidates for office expressed their concerns about being excluded from the ballot due to the lawsuit, emphasizing the need for fair electoral practices.

As the meeting concluded, the council faced the challenge of balancing legal obligations with the need to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The outcome of the lawsuit, expected soon, will have significant implications for the candidates and the city’s governance. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how they navigate this contentious issue and support their city clerk in the face of legal challenges.