An Indianola alderman is still none too happy about a $14,100 reimbursement to City Attorney Derek Hopson to pay for an “expert” in the attorney’s investigation into Mississippi Home Corporation last year.
Ward 1 Alderman Gary Fratesi initiated the discussion during this past Monday’s meeting, raising concerns about legal billing practices and potential overcharges.
City planner and contractor Dr. Adrian Brown, of Brown & Associates, agreed back in November to visit the Washington D.C. office of Housing & Urban Development while he was in the nation’s capital on other business.
Brown agreed to approach HUD and ask about funds that had been frozen in the grant that led to the Spencer Construction payout in 2023.
“Brown said before he left to go to Washington that it wasn’t going to cost us anything, then suddenly we receive a $14,000 bill for consulting,” Fratesi said. “Tell me how you had the authority to do that when only the board has that authority.”
Hopson told The Enterprise-Tocsin last month that he retained Brown’s services after he arrived back from D.C.
Fratesi questioned the bill in April and voted no on paying the docket that night.
Fratesi questioned the legality of the billing, asserting that the city’s policies prohibit such charges without explicit approval.
“We didn’t give you carte blanche,” he said. “If you were a good city attorney, you would know that.”
At that point, Hopson raised his voice, saying, “Shame, shame, shame on you, sir.”
Fratesi responded, “Shame on you, too.”
Mayor Ken Featherstone had to intervene, instructing Hopson to tone down his language.
Hopson became more pointed, at one time questioning Fratesi’s residency, suggesting that he no longer lives in Indianola and instead on the Gulf Coast.
Featherstone then remarked that the situation was becoming personal, hit the gavel and instructed the board to move on.
The discussion grew more contentious as Fratesi accused Hopson of overcharging the city, which Hopson disputed.
“I have not spoken to any of that,” Hopson responded, adding that the invoices were presented in a closed session and had been previously reviewed and approved by the board.
Hopson defended the hiring of Brown, stating that Brown’s research in the Mississippi Home Corporation case brought clarity to the city regarding the alleged events that led to the Spencer payout.
Fratesi further questioned the timing of the invoices and the transparency of the billing process.
“This is highly illegal,” he said, referring to alleged reimbursements and payments made without prior authorization. “We need to do this in a special session to review everything properly.”
At one point during the discussion, Hopson referenced the board and mayor, stating that if they had any questions regarding his billing, he would refer them to his attorney, Steven Nixon.
Meanwhile, Hopson defended his presence at the city’s recent annexation trial, stating that his contract stipulates that he is to oversee all matters of litigation.
The meeting concluded with a motion from Fratesi to audit all invoices from the city attorney.
The motion was seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Darrell Simpson.
Ward 4 Alderman Marvin Elder made a subsidiary motion to audit all 1099 employees associated with the city, which was seconded by Ward 5 Alderman Sam Brock.
The subsidiary motion was defeated after Brock voted no, a moment following his second to the motion. That was a 3-2 vote (Fratesi and Elder voting yes, and Simpson, Alderman Ruben Woods and Brock voting no).
The aldermen did not revisit the original motion.
