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Everett council asks Massachusetts attorney general to seek return of $180,000 in mayoral payments
Summary
By a unanimous vote the city council asked the state attorney general to pursue recovery of $180,000 that the inspector general found was improperly paid to the mayor; sponsors cited the inspector general's findings and requested outside review.
The Everett City Council voted unanimously to ask the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to commence action to recover $180,000 in longevity payments that the inspector general’s report identified as improper.
Councilor Robert Van Campen introduced the resolution asking the attorney general to investigate and, if appropriate, recover the funds. Van Campen cited the state inspector general’s report issued on Feb. 27 and said the council needed an independent enforcement path: “We are now in a position where we don't have the ability to recover a hundred and $80,000 in funds that the inspector general deemed improperly paid,” he told the council.
Why it matters: The inspector general concluded the payments were not properly authorized under the applicable ordinances and that the city should seek recovery. The council’s resolution asks the attorney general to consider the inspector general’s findings and to initiate whatever civil action or remedies the AG finds appropriate.
What the council voted
The council voted to forward the resolution and to send it to the state attorney general, copying the city’s special counsel; councilors moved, seconded and recorded unanimous favorable action on the item.
Key background and debate
Council members who spoke during the discussion said the inspector general is an independent, professional watchdog and that invoking the AG would allow a neutral adjudication if the mayor or administration disputes the IG’s findings. Van Campen and other sponsors said they preferred an outside review rather than an internal resolution.
A number of residents raised the issue during public participation earlier in the meeting, alleging misuse of public funds and urging the council to act.
Formal action
The council adopted the resolution by recorded vote (10–0) and directed staff to forward the matter to Attorney General’s Office (first assistant and relevant divisions) and to the city’s outside counsel for coordination.
Ending
The AG’s office decides whether to open a formal civil action; the council’s resolution asks the AG to review the inspector general’s findings and act as appropriate.
