MIAMI — Miami commissioners on Thursday morning debated whether taxpayers should continue covering the legal bills for Commissioner Joe Carollo, who has been fighting a costly lawsuit for years.
The key question before the board was how much longer the city should pay for Carollo’s defense.
Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela said he is frustrated with the mounting costs, estimating the city has already spent up to $30 million.
“I’m tired personally of paying on behalf of the taxpayer and having to sit through this — since I’ve been here this has been an issue, and I’ve been here almost more than a year and a half,” Gabela said.
The lawsuit stems from a federal jury verdict last year that found Carollo liable for retaliating against two Little Havana business owners who backed his political opponent. The jury awarded the business owners more than $63 million, but Carollo is appealing the decision.
On Thursday, some commissioners cautioned that pulling out of the case now could set a dangerous precedent, leaving other elected officials without guaranteed protections.
“You cannot be afraid to take an action as an elected official because you are uncertain whether the city will represent you or not,” Commissioner Christine King said.
City attorneys outlined the road ahead, noting that the next major expense would come if the case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court.
In the end, commissioners delayed a final decision until Oct. 9. For now, the city will continue to pay for Carollo’s legal defense.
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