Judge Rules City Not Responsible for Moran and Golub Legal Fees

[JK: I received the following press release from Mike Brandi, chair of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee]

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Mike Brandi, Chairman of the Saratoga Springs Republican Committee (SSGOP), today announced significant legal victories stemming from two court cases challenging the Saratoga Springs City Council’s approval to pay private legal fees for Commissioner Dillon Moran and former Commissioner Jason Golub.

The cases originated in April 2024 when the City received a subpoena related to an investigation into the misuse of “on-call” pay by certain deputies. Commissioner Moran retained a high-priced New York City-based criminal defense firm, incurring legal fees of over six figures at a rate of $1,200 per hour. Subsequently, in July 2024, Moran introduced a City Council resolution seeking taxpayer funding for his substantial legal fees. Despite initial City Council approval, Brandi swiftly filed a lawsuit to halt this misuse of taxpayer dollars, obtaining a temporary restraining order.

Yesterday, the court issued its final ruling, decisively finding that such payments were unconstitutional and beyond the City Council’s legal authority. This ruling marks a significant triumph in safeguarding Saratoga Springs taxpayers from financial abuse.

Chairman Brandi praised the decision, stating: “It’s clear Commissioner Moran has never met a scandal he couldn’t make worse, but fortunately, Saratoga Springs taxpayers won’t be stuck paying the bill for his poor judgment. This ruling is a resounding victory for every taxpayer in Saratoga Springs. It sends a clear message that public officials cannot treat taxpayer dollars as their personal slush fund. We will continue fighting relentlessly to ensure accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds.”

Brandi was represented by Chris Obstarczyk of the Obstarczyk Firm. 

Walsh’s Decision