Commission asks city attorney to clarify whether a legal opinion used city funds amid allegations about a commissioner

The Lapeer City Commission voted to ask City Attorney Francis to provide records and clarify whether a legal opinion about a commissioner's grant eligibility was requested by the city or paid for with city funds. Commissioner McCarthy moved the request and Commissioner Glisman supported it; the motion passed after public concern.

Multiple public commenters alleged that a city official had sought a legal opinion about personal grant eligibility and questioned whether the city paid the attorney. John D. Asweth said the emails showed staff discussed the matter and raised concerns about "optics" if a seated commissioner obtained a grant facilitated by city staff. Asweth urged the commission to examine invoices. The mayor asked Francis to determine whether a vote had authorized the opinion and whether billable time entries exist.

City Attorney Francis said he did not recall a veiled threat and said he would look back at his records; he told the commission he had received copies of emails but that some communications fell outside the formal records request. The mayor framed the request as "clarity" rather than an immediate investigation and instructed Francis to return with invoice information for transparency.

The commission did not take punitive action at the meeting; instead it asked for documentation and next-step clarity. The council's action requires the attorney to report back, and commissioners said they expect to review invoices and confirm whether a formal vote previously authorized the work.

What happens next: City Attorney Francis will be asked to report back at the commission's next regular meeting on Aug. 3, 2026, with information on whether the opinion was authorized by commission action and whether the city paid for the work.