Resident criticizes $510,000 transfer for legal fees as council approves appropriations

During the public-comment portion of the Dec. 1 meeting, a resident sharply criticized an appropriation that would transfer $510,000 and add $838,000 to the Office of Corporation Counsel budget for attorney fees.

Chairman Muscari introduced Proposal 329 as a transfer of $510,000 and an additional appropriation of $838,000 to fund attorneys and attorney fees associated with ongoing cases. Larry Vaughn, who addressed the council at the microphone, questioned the use of taxpayer dollars for legal bills and urged councilors to reconsider. "$510,000, ladies and gentlemen. We're paying out tonight for these people who can't control themselves," Vaughn said.

Council members responded on the floor to clarify the purpose of the appropriation. The council recorded one abstention (Councilor Delaney, citing a spouse's employment) and otherwise approved the proposal; the clerk announced the motion carried with 24 yays and 1 abstention.

The transcript does not record settlement figures or additional details of the cases for which the fees are being requested; councilors described the item as funding for ongoing legal work handled by the administration’s law officers.

Outcome: Proposal 329 passed with a recorded vote of 24–0–1 (yes–no–abstain). The clerk will include the action in the council journal and the Office of Corporation Counsel will proceed under established budget and procurement rules.