MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) – Macomb County executive Mark Hackel is suing the county’s board of commissioners.

Hackel is challenging the commission’s claim that it must pre-approve all business transactions.

“This lawsuit is not about dollar limits,” said Hackel in a statement. “It is about the Commission’s claim of absolute authority over every business transaction carried out by every individual, department and agency of county government. The Commission claims that no one can transact any county business without their pre-approval. This is not what the charter says.”

Macomb County voters approved creation of an executive branch to manage the day-to-day function of government. According to Hackel, the charter then transferred all administrative duties to the executive and gave the executive authority to administer the budget and implement policy.

The commission hasn’t commented on the lawsuit.