DETROIT (WXYZ) — A controversy is brewing among Detroit Police Commissioners as the board's secretary position remains vacant.
On Thursday, the board voted to hire TJ Adams and Associates, a staffing agency to conduct a national search for the secretary position.
Commissioner Willie Bell put the motion on the table to hire the Southfield company for $30,000.
FULL VIDEO OF POLICE COMMISSIONER MEETING
"When the vote came out I just said to myself this is wrong," said Commissioner Willie Burton.
Burton voted against the motion because he claims there's a lack of transparency in the hiring process. He said there was no bidding process which could lead to violating the city's trust.
Former police commissioner Jessica Taylor works for TJ Adams and Associates. Taylor was appointed in 2011 and left her seat in 2015.
The staffing company was used to hire current Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
The board's chair, Lisa Carter said the contract between the company and board has not been signed.
"Our staff is reviewing the process to ensure that we are following the letter of the law," Carter said. "I think Jessica Taylor is in a position to know what this board needs."
Burton feels the contract is a conflict of interest. He said the vote should have been tabled until there could be further discussion.
"This does not pass the smell test," Burton said. Something stinks here."
7 Action News will continue to follow developments in this story.
