Who Gets Paid and When
According to the settlement agreement, the class includes all East Lansing residents who were charged the franchise fee between April 2, 2019, and April 30, 2025. The reimbursement fund—minus attorney fees and costs—will be distributed among these ratepayers.
Law firms Kickham Hanley PLLC and Abood Law Firm, representing the plaintiffs, agreed not to seek legal fees exceeding one-third of the settlement total.
City Concedes But Looks Ahead
East Lansing officials expressed disappointment with the court’s conclusion but said they were ready to move forward.
“While disappointed with the decision, the City Council is committed to resolving this fairly and transparently,” said City Manager Robert Belleman, framing the settlement as a step toward civic stability.
Legal Powerhouses on Both Sides
Class Counsel:
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Gregory D. Hanley, Jamie Warrow, Edward F. Kickham Jr. (Kickham Hanley PLLC)
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Andrew Abood (Abood Law Firm)
City Counsel:
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Charles E. Barbieri, Michael Homier, Brandon M.H. Schumacher (Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC)
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Anthony K. Chubb, John C. Clark (Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC)
While counsel for the plaintiffs did not respond to requests for comment, the legal record paints a picture of a city forced to reconcile modern governance with long-standing fiscal practices.
