HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Hamtramck City Manager Max Garbarino will now be on paid administrative leave.
It’s the latest development in Hamtramck, which has been at the center of controversy since its chief of police was placed on leave.
Mayor Amer Ghalib and Garbarino have been at odds over how it has developed.
At the heart of this situation are three key players: Ghalib, Garbarino, and police Chief Jamiel Altaheri.
Garbarino put Altaheri on leave after he was accused of breaking department policies and the law.
But Ghalib believes Garbarino overstepped his bounds and even claims that he is named in the same set of allegations.
Tensions were high once again in Tuesday’s (May 27) city council meeting.
Prior to the back-and-forth discussion between Ghalib and Garabino, residents had the opportunity to express their views on the situation. We even heard from Altaheri’s father.
One man spoke on the matter, adopting a resolution of his own to suspend the City manager.
Another main topic of discussion was the leak of audio from a private conversation between Altaheri and his wife, which surfaced online in the last few days.
After leaving the meeting to go into closed session, it was determined that the city manager will be on paid leave while he’s investigated as well.
The investigation will continue over time.
Suppose it’s determined that Garabino hasn’t done any wrong, he’ll be reinstated as well.
In the meantime, the city controller will serve as acting city manager until the end of the investigation.
