Helen Burns Sharp, citizen activist who sued to try to stop a $9 million Black Creek Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and won, is seeking to have her legal expenses paid by the city and the developers.
Ms. Sharp said in a court filing that her legal bills to attorney John Konvalinka are $74,427 thus far.
Chancellor Frank Brown ruled in favor of Ms. Sharp, saying the Sunshine Law was violated and there was a conflict of interest with the attorney who gave a favorable opinion on the TIF.
The developers afterward went back to the City Industrial Development Board for new approval for the TIF based on a favorable opinion by Mike McMahan, former city attorney.
Attorney Konvalinka said attorney McMahan was paid $7,500 for his work on the TIF.