Legal fees driving up Brant Pier costs

(Update)

At $14.4 million dollars, the Brant Street Pier in Burlington ultimately cost more than double it’s original estimate. And Thursday, the city released the cost of legal fees related to the pier. It’s 1.3 million dollars and counting.

The pier may be completed, but it continues to cost Burlington taxpayers money with its legal fees. The city’s Mayor is unhappy the bill is so high, but happy that the information is out there.

Mayor Rick Goldring: “One thing I was very uncomfortable with several years ago is when I was asked about the legal fees and I couldn’t disclose them. I didn’t like the answer ‘because the lawyers won’t let me.'”

The legal battle began shortly after a crane collapse in 2008 delayed construction, and led to 5 lawsuits currently before the courts. The announcement came as result of a freedom of information request. But retired judge, and concerned citizen, Tom Sutherland disagrees with his mayor: “It’s in the publics interest, in my view, to hide this if you will until it’s settled.”

He says that the city is now in a weaker bargaining position having released their legal fees during an ongoing legal dispute. And as the cost continues to grow, the city hopes that resolution can be reached soon, there’s just no telling when.

Video: News Now coverage of Jeff Fielding’s announcement