GRAND HAVEN — An outside legal firm hired to investigate whistleblower allegations against the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power says the inquiry is expected to take about a month — and the total cost is not yet known.

On Sept. 18, the city, in a 5-2 vote, authorized City Manager Ashley Latsch to hire special legal counsel to conduct an independent investigation in response to a whistleblower complaint against the GHBLP.

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The whistleblower, who has not been publicly identified, contacted city attorney Ron Bultje in early September through their personal attorney, handing over a cache of approximately 200,000 emails that allegedly support claims the BLP:

• Conducted a coordinated attempt to destroy documents to circumvent a Freedom of Information Act request.
• Repeated false and misleading statements to employees regarding a proposed charter amendment to dissolve the BLP.
• Attempted to avoid compliance with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act.
• Pressured employees to sign a letter to contribute funds and distribute door signs, all opposed to the charter amendment — potentially in violation of state law.

At the city’s Monday, Oct. 16, meeting, the city unanimously approved the appointment of Michael Homier, of Grand Rapids-base Foster Swift, to lead the independent review of the whistle-blower allegations.

Homier has extensive experience in municipal work, Latsch wrote to...

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