The obscure oversight board that seized $30 million in Santa Clara County redevelopment funds eyed by the San Francisco 49ers to build its new stadium has hired a lawyer.
The board voted June 22 to take $30 million away from the 49ers' $1.2 billion stadium fund, which voters approved in 2010. The board says it has the powers to use the money as it sees fit, but county, city, water district, fire and school officials say they need the cash to balance their budgets.
Outraged, the 49ers have asked a judge to block the move. In the judge's earlier ruling, he was learning toward the 49ers.
The oversight board has since hired a Fresno lawyer, Hilda Cantu Montoy, at $275 an hour, who will argue their case in court, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
