The City has now tallied up the cost of two legal proceedings that involved the mayor.
The city spent about $38,000 was spent on lawyers for Mayor Keith Hobbs, the Police Services Board and former police chief Bob Herman.
In March of this year, an Ontario Civilian Police Commission investigation was launched after the Police Services Board alleged Hobbs broke confidentiality. Hobbs was removed from the board during that investigation.
The investigation revolves around Hobbs giving a suspended officer information that was discussed in a closed session meeting.
The OCPC found that Hobbs needed guidance on conflict of interest matters and confidentiality.
He was reinstated to the board Dec. 20.
Two lawyers representing Hobbs rang up legal bills of nearly $14,000. The incident also cost the Police Services Board more than $4,700 in legal advice.
A libel and slander lawsuit filed against Hobbs by Herman cost another $5,700 in legal fees for Hobbs while the Police Services Board paid more than $13,000 for Herman’s legal representation.
The mayor alleged that Herman had illegally intercepted his communications.
It was later discovered that the police chief received information from a police-issued Blackberry, and not Hobbs’ phone.
Hobbs made a public apology, which settled the matter.
