LANSING — An Ingham County judge has denied dueling motions in the public records lawsuit that the Republican National Committee filed against the City of Lansing, clearing the way for a settlement or trial.
The RNC sued over what it said were excessively high fees the city charged in response to a public records request submitted on Nov. 26, 2024. The RNC is seeking copies of surveillance video from absentee ballot drop boxes in the city on Election Day.
The RNC said it sent similar public records requests to East Lansing, Delta Township, Flint, Detroit, Battle Creek and Muskegon, among others. Lansing estimated a $4,795 fee and $2,397 deposit to provide the video footage, while other cities estimated less than $700, including East Lansing, which wanted about $300, and Battle Creek, which charged $140, according to the lawsuit.
Attorneys for the city said it acted in good faith and complied with the state’s public records law and therefore the RNC has no valid claim to sue over. They asked Ingham County Circuit Judge Morgan Cole to dismiss the lawsuit and order that the RNC pay for the city’s attorney fees. The city’s response was filed by Farmington Hills-based Rosati, Schultz, Joppich & Amtsbuechler.
Both the RNC and the city made their cases to Cole, both in court filings and oral arguments, that she had grounds to rule in their favor because each believed there was no factual issues for a jury to consider and that the law was on their side. On April 15, following oral arguments, Cole denied both motions, according to court records. A bench trial is currently scheduled for June 8, meaning Cole and not a jury could decide the case.
Scott Bean, a spokesperson for the city, declined to comment on active litigation. Adam Tountas, an attorney at Grand Rapids-based Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge which represents the RNC, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Both the RNC and city could appeal Cole’s decision to deny their motions.
As of July 2025, the outside law firm representing Lansing had billed the city $24,988 for work on the lawsuit, according to documents obtained through a public records request. If the lawsuit goes to trial and the RNC prevails, the city could be ordered to pay the RNC’s legal fees.
Contact reporter Matt Mencarini at mjmencarini@lsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Judge declines to toss RNC’s FOIA lawsuit against city of Lansing
Reporting by Matt Mencarini, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
