AUBURN (AP) — A judge has rejected claims in a lawsuit alleging that commissioners in a Maine county received unjust enrichment due to higher salaries they improperly set for themselves.
More than 10 cities and towns represented by Androscoggin County sued commissioners in 2015, claiming they unjustly enriched themselves by increasing their compensation and breaching their fiduciary duty to taxpayers regarding spending.
The Sun Journal reports the Superior Court judge ruled that the commissioners have the final authority over the county budget and can make adjustments to all line items except their salaries and benefits.
The judge agreed with municipalities that the commissioners overstepped their authority when they adjusted their salaries above what was recommended by the Budget Committee.
The plaintiffs’ attorney says they’re “disappointed” in the court’s conclusion.
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