Lawsuit Targets Kilpatrick, Others Over Sewer Contract
DETROIT (WWJ) - A federal indictment against former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is leading Macomb County officials to take another look at what they were billed for in the repair of a 15 Mile Road Sewer six years ago.
Macomb Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco says the bill was more than $54 million for the project. But, an independent engineering contractor says it should have cost only about half that amount.
Macomb is suing Kilpatrick, former Detroit Water and Sewer Department boss Victor Mercado, local businessman Bobby Ferguson, Kilpatrick aide Derek Miller and several contractors for more than $25 million.
"It's a lot of money. It's a lot of money ... no matter how you look at it. Where the money went, we're not sure. Some people made a lot of money on doing project that they shouldn't have made," said Marrocco.
"Maybe we can get some of Kwame Kilpatrick's book money. We're not sure ... That's one start. But there are some contractors involved here and I'm sure they're collectible, if they're found guilty," he said.
Marrocco said if the county is successful in recouping the money, residents will see it reflected in lower rates.
