Wayne County extends outside counsel agreement for criminal justice complex dispute

The Wayne County Commission approved Amendment 12 to extend by one year a two‑year legal services contract with Zosmer, PC to continue representation on matters related to Rock Ventures LLC’s proposal for a criminal justice complex.

County Corporation Counsel James Heath told commissioners the county is moving into a phase of resolving construction claims involving the project, including a recently contested sprinkler installation. Heath said outside counsel is assisting alongside in‑house staff, multiple contractors’ attorneys and the project architect as the county negotiates potential claims and settlements.

Heath told the commission the outside firm’s services have been “invaluable” during settlement discussions and said the county hopes this will be the final contract amendment. Commissioner Killeen asked that, when the work concludes, staff provide the commission — and by extension the public — a summary showing the issues raised, dollar amounts involved and how each matter was settled. Heath agreed to compile that “cheat sheet” for the commission.

The motion to approve the contract amendment was made and seconded on the floor; commissioners voted by tablet and the motion carried.

The extension allows county leadership and outside counsel to continue negotiating alleged construction defects, coordinating with numerous outside attorneys, and resolving claims tied to the criminal justice complex project. No dollar amount for the amendment was provided during the discussion.