Chippewa Bridge Company v. City of Durand and others

Summary

The court held that Durand’s bridge contracts were void because the city did not substantially comply with charter requirements governing competitive public contracting. The city’s private negotiations, inadequate solicitation, failure to use sealed bids and bonds, and failure to adjudicate the bids could not be excused by good faith, favorable results, partial performance, or ratification. The court also held that the taxpayer had standing, that the complaint amendment should have been allowed, and that the recipients and participating officer were liable to restore public funds.