Several members of the Carmel City Council are concerned after Fox59 told them the city attorney signed off on at least $13,000 to pay for private investigators.
According to invoices obtained by Fox59, City Attorney Douglas Haney signed off on thousands of dollars to pay for surveillance.
Members of the council wonder who the private investigators are following.
In 2010, Haney approved more than $5,000 for private investigative work. In the past few weeks, Haney approved $8,000 worth of surveillance.
The subject of the investigation was blacked out by Haney himself, according to the city treasurer's office.
A source close to City Hall says the private investigators were following Steven Libman, the former Executive Director of the Regional Performing Arts Center.
Insiders won't say why Libman was the target of an investigation, but he suddenly resigned last Friday for "personal reasons."
City leaders want to know more details about why private investigators are being hired and why portions of the invoices are redacted.
"Not knowing the full details on whose name was blocked out, it still raises questions on whether it was a proper use of money, " said Carmel City Councilman Eric Seidensticker. "I would find it very disturbing that a city will follow or use surveillance without proper cause."
Councilman John Accetturo wants Haney to resign.
He says, "I don't think its the city attorneys job to follow people all around Carmel. If there is a criminal act then it should be reported to the police department and recorded there."
"I'm appalled at the fact that they are using taxpayer money to hire private investigators to follow people around." said Accetturo. "If there is a criminal act, we have a police department."
But the city attorney says he is completely within the law and not inappropriately using taxpayer money.
"i have a duty to investigate as necessary to ensure that no laws are broken by any city employee or city entity and that public monies contributed by the city to nonprofit entities are properly accounted for an spent. I periodically authorize private investigators to assist me in the performance of my duties as the city's legal officer." said Haney.
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard released a statement through his communications department.
"The City of Carmel is obligated to protect taxpayers by investigating incidents that have resulted or may result in legal claims against the city and its taxpayers. Unfortunately, cities across America are sued for money damages on a regular basis and the city must investigate the validity of those claims to reduce taxpayer exposure. The mayor appoints the city attorney, but does not run the city attorney's office."
