City Stars controversy

A former city staffer urged the council to let the federal investigation play out without jumping to conclusions, and defended the mayor and finance staff's record of clean audits.

Terrell read a legal opinion about doing business with nonprofits engaged in illegal activity and accused the mayor of failing to act when concerns were raised years ago, saying officials must take responsibility for how taxpayer money is used.

McDonald, a former supporter of the mayor, called the controversy a politicized "witch hunt" and criticized the $500,000-a-year soccer proposal, saying the investigation should focus on one individual rather than the city.