Amid Embezzlement Probe, City Clerk Says She's Retiring

DEARBORN, MI – The Dearborn city clerk whose office is at the center of an embezzlement investigation has announced plans to retire in February.

Our Earlier Report

• Search Warrant for Embezzlement Served at City Hall

Kathleen Buda said the Dec. 16 raid by Michigan State Police did not influence her decision, according to media reports.

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Buda, who turns 65 in May, told The Detroit News she has “been thinking about this, praying about this, talking about this for the last year.”

State Police have said little about the probe, other than to characterize it as an ongoing investigation.

Buda acknowledged the timing of her retirement may raise questions.

“I know people will talk, I know that,” Buda told the Detroit Free Press. “I can’t control that. It’s just time.”

Buda, a Dearborn resident, has served as city clerk since 1998 and has worked in the clerk’s office since 1995.

Her last day will be Feb. 16. Deputy Clerk Lola Isiminger will serve in an interim role until the 2017 election.