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Legal Billing Mounts For Wayne County Taxpayers

DETROIT (WWJ) - More taxpayer dollars are needed to defend Wayne County against a lawsuit filed by a former top aid to County Executive Robert Ficano.

Commissioners on Thursday approved spending an additional $100,000 on attorneys who are representing the county against the lawsuit filed by Ficano's former deputy, Azzam Elder.

Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel Steve Pierson told Commissioners he may need more money in the future. "I'm reluctant to say this is going to be it because, if I did, probably I would be mistaken," he said.

Commissioner Laura Cox has been an outspoken critic of Ficano's dealings. "This is not the end and it would be foolish for anybody to that that it's the end," said Cox. "You know, this is, like I said, the gift that keeps on giving -- so it's very frustrating."

Elder claims he was forced to retire last November amid the severance pay scandal and he is suing to get the $300,000 Ficano promised him.

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