Residents press Takoma Park council for answers on $1 million police settlement and audit progress

Two residents during general public comment urged the council for clarity about the independent audit tied to litigation known in the record as Cooper v. City of Takoma Park and asked for explanations about a $1,000,000 settlement.

Paul Huebner (Ward 3) said he used a Maryland Public Information Act request to obtain invoices and asked how much has been spent to date on the Stinson audit and when the audit will be completed. Citing the documents he had obtained, Huebner said the invoices showed about $120,000.65 "through a January 6 invoice," and he asked whether the contract was open‑ended and when the city expected the audit to be completed.

Robert Anderson (Ward 3) summarized allegations appearing in a publicly filed complaint related to alleged harassment and retaliation involving a named sergeant (referred to in the complaint as "Zee"). Anderson read allegations from the complaint and urged the council and the audit to examine the issues and respond appropriately; he noted the complaint was settled by the city for $1,000,000 without an adjudicatory hearing.

Mayor Searcy acknowledged the comments and reiterated that the council is "working diligently on the audit, and are working diligently to finalize the final list of expenditures for the audit." The prior closed‑session summary read aloud at the meeting also noted that, during a March 5 closed session, the auditor’s confidential and privileged report was discussed and that "no actions were taken and no timeline was set for issuing a public report from the council."

The council did not set a public deadline at the meeting; staff said they will continue to compile cost details and respond to open information requests. The public speakers sought answers about contract limits, total cost and completion timing; councilmembers said they would follow up and provide further information when available.