City Council debates payments for IB Electric and legal fees amid charter concerns

Tensions ran high at the Dearborn Heights City Council meeting on February 25, 2025, as council members grappled with contentious fund transfers and claims, particularly regarding a $7,000 legal fee and an electric bill that has sparked ongoing debate.

Councilman Hassan Saab led the charge to remove items 24 and 26 from the agenda, which included the controversial legal fees for a law firm involved in a civil matter. Saab expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the authorization of these expenses, stating, "I want to see who approved this contract, this law firm, and why we were paying for civil matter's legal fees." His concerns were echoed by other council members, who emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures and the city charter.

The discussion quickly escalated, with council members divided on whether to approve the claims without further investigation. Councilman Robert Constant defended the necessity of paying for services rendered, arguing that the work was completed and should be compensated, regardless of procedural disputes. "Everyone is entitled to their day in court," he stated, highlighting the normalcy of such legal expenditures.

Despite the push for accountability, the council ultimately faced a stalemate. A motion to remove the items failed, with members expressing frustration over the administration's failure to provide necessary documentation. Councilwoman Malinowski Maxwell underscored the importance of following established policies, stating, "We don't have to educate the city on how to follow policy and procedure."

As the meeting concluded, the council's struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with procedural integrity left many questions unanswered. The ongoing debate over the electric bill and legal fees reflects deeper issues within the city's governance, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in municipal operations. The council's next steps remain uncertain as they navigate these complex challenges.