According to a letter dated July 10 from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to Wayne County, the Michigan Bureau of Elections, a division of the Michigan Department of State, has opened an investigation into into allegations that Wayne County improperly used taxpayer-funded resources to help promote a transportation millage during a joint event in June with Transportation Riders United. The complaint was filed by Northville attorney Matthew Wilk.

Wayne County accused of using taxpayer resources to promote ballot measure.

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At a recent news conference, Wilk pointed to a Facebook post about the event shared by the county itself, saying, “Clearly, Wayne County is partnering with an advocacy organization, using public resources to further this tax.” He went on to say, “The ultimate goal is for Wayne County to follow the rules. I live in Wayne County…My tax dollars may have been used to rent this facility; may have been used to provide food, and certainly were used to do some co-sponsorship, or what have you, with an advocacy organization.”

Michigan law says government agencies can’t use taxpayer money, employees, equipment or other public resources to campaign for or against ballot proposals or candidates.

The complaint alleges Wayne County crossed that line by partnering with a transit advocacy group on an event related to the transportation millage. If true, the activity could violate the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. Complaints alleging violations of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act are filed with the Department of State but investigated by the Bureau of Elections.

Wayne County defends its actions.

In a statement to the Detroit News, Matt Allen, a Wayne County spokesman said, “Wayne County has engaged the public in order to educate them related to the August 4 transit ballot initiative. We have followed all laws and are fully compliant with regulations.”

The state has given the county 15 business days to respond with any written statement or additional documentary evidence. Wilk will also be given the chance to submit a rebuttal statement. After reviewing both sides, election officials will decide whether there is reason to believe a violation occurred. If they find evidence supporting the complaint, the matter could end in a settlement, an administrative hearing, or even a referral to the Michigan Attorney General for enforcement.