Debate About City's Legal Bills Continues

The discussion over the city's outstanding legal bills continued on Wednesday night. 

Councilman Michael Russo—who is part of the council minority and highly critical of the administration—sponsored a resolution this week, calling an investigation into hundreds of thousands of unpaid legal fees.

The resolution failed in a 5-4 vote, with the five members of the council majority all voting "no."

"I completely disagree with this resolution," said Councilman Peter Cunningham, "we have a surplus in this city."

"You have a trust in this administration," Russo answered. "I trust, but verify."

There is enough money in the 2011 budget to pay the bills. Two weeks ago, the council minority members voted against transfering the line items. The roughly $450,000 in legal cost also include the payment of Corporation Counsel Mark Tabakin. 

"I hope all of you take a new direction and a new look at how business is conducted in this city," Councilwoman Terry Castellano said. 

Council President Ravinder Bhalla opposed the resolution by saying that the word "investigation" implied wrong doing.

"In my estimation this is not much more than a political ploy," Bhalla said about the resolution.