Baltimore County Inspector General’s Coffee Meeting Costs Taxpayers $190,000

A 2021 coffee shop meeting in Towson has resulted in a massive bill for Baltimore County residents. The encounter between Inspector General Kelly Madigan and attorney Patrick Murray ultimately cost taxpayers $190,000. The expense covers legal fees and a confidential settlement.

This costly dispute began over an official investigation. According to The Baltimore Banner, the county requested the settlement amount remain sealed from public view.

Breakdown of the $190,000 Taxpayer Expense

The total cost was accumulated over four years. It includes a $100,000 settlement payment to Patrick Murray. Another $65,000 was spent on Madigan’s legal defense.

County attorney Paul Ewing’s fees added $24,998 to the bill. The meeting itself lasted less than an hour at a local coffee shop. The financial impact, however, has been long-lasting for the public.

Political Fallout from the Costly Encounter

The dispute strained relationships within Baltimore County’s government. Madigan was appointed as Inspector General to root out corruption. Her work initially had strong support from County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.

That support wavered after a critical report. Madigan uncovered $1.1 million in wasteful agricultural equipment spending. This finding upset powerful figures in the administration.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who are Kelly Madigan and Patrick Murray?

Kelly Madigan serves as Baltimore County’s Inspector General. Patrick Murray is an attorney with strong political connections in Maryland. Murray originally recommended Madigan for her position.

What caused the expensive legal dispute?

The conflict began when Murray called the meeting. An employee felt uncomfortable with Madigan’s investigation questions. The probe involved a politically connected tennis barn project.

How much did taxpayers pay for legal fees?

Legal fees totaled nearly $90,000 for all parties. Madigan’s defense cost $65,000 alone. The county also paid $24,998 for another attorney’s work.

Was the settlement amount made public?

No, the county requested the settlement remain sealed. The $100,000 payment to Murray was confirmed in reports. The exact terms of the agreement are not public knowledge.

What was the tennis barn investigation about?

It concerned developer David Cordish’s proposed project. Neighbors had disagreements about the construction plans. Murray was unaware the investigation involved this politically connected developer.

Trusted Sources: The Baltimore Banner