A restaurant in Plymouth was cited for failing to comply with Michigan's previous restrictions banning indoor service at bars and restaurants. | Stock Photo
A restaurant in Plymouth was cited for failing to comply with Michigan's previous restrictions banning indoor service at bars and restaurants. | Stock Photo
Despite the struggles that businesses and their employees have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of those who are charged with enforcing restrictions on private business are actually faring better than they were before the pandemic.
Michigan Capitol Confidential looked into the payroll situation of local governments and found that some of those entrusted with enforcing public health mandates from the state have garnered pay increases over the past year.
The situation stands in contrast to the statement early during the pandemic when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, “This is going to be hard, but we’re going to get through this, and we’re going to get through it together,” according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
And some problems with compliance have been far from straightforward.
Plymouth ROC Restaurant attempted to stay in compliance, while still serving customers, by setting up a tent outside for diners, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential. That led to a warning from a local police officer for the fully enclosing the space, which is considered "indoors," in December.
A few days later, a Wayne County Health Department inspector told the restaurant they were in compliance with the state’s mandates. But that did not prevent them from being cited for violation by the state Liquor Control Commission on Dec. 30, based on a definition in a "frequently asked questions" portion of the state’s website, rather than on anything written in the actual orders issued by the state.
The hearing with the Liquor Control Commission wasn’t initiated by the state, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential. It came from a complaint filed by John Buzuvis, director of community development for the city of Plymouth, who took it upon himself to go to the restaurant, take photos of the tent and send them to the commission.
Allen Cox, the city’s director of public safety, directed Buzuvis to take the photos, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential. Both Cox and Buzuvis received substantial pay increases in 2020.
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