A lawsuit was filed against the city of Mission and its current mayor by his predecessor, records show.

Norberto “Beto” Salinas filed the lawsuit Tuesday, accusing the city of current city Mayor Armando “Doc” O’Cana of illegal expenditure of public funds over a $17 million contract to replace all water meters in the city and LED lighting in public buildings, according to a news release sent out by Salinas’ attorney.

READ THE LAWSUIT HERE

The energy-saving services contract was awarded to the Indianapolis-based company, Performance Services Inc. March 2021, the release stated.

 “When authorizing and signing this contract, the Mission Municipal Government did not follow the proper procurement and competitive bidding process; thus, creating an illegal debt,” the release stated. 

As part of the nearly $17 million contract, an additional $4.1 million in interest must also be repaid in a 12 year period. In an affidavit, Salinas filed alongside the lawsuit, he stated that no budget amendment was created by the city.

 “It had been said that there would be no payment for the first two years, but on March 26, 2021 the city received the first invoice for an amount of $1,473,514, which was paid on April 16, 2021 with check #216384, keep in mind, they paid this without ever having budgeted this expense,” the release stated.

When reached for comment, Mission city attorney Gus Martinez said the city of Mission does not comment on pending litigation.