The Menominee City Council has voted to formally censure Mayor Casey Hoffman following a tense special meeting tied to an ongoing dispute over cannabis licensing and allegations involving the city manager. The meeting quickly turned confrontational as Hoffman clashed with City Attorney Mike Celello before the session was even officially underway.

Hoffman says he’s raising concerns about the city’s handling of a cannabis dispensary permit and what he believes are misleading statements involving the Michigan Department of Transportation. He told council members the censure effort is retaliation for speaking out.

Council members supporting the resolution say the mayor’s accusations and social media posts about City Manager Brett BotbyL have crossed the line and could expose the city to legal liability. Deputy Mayor Donna Marineau called the move necessary to protect the city.

The council approved the censure resolution on a six-to-one vote, removing Hoffman from committee chair assignments and requiring a public apology to the city manager. Public comment after the vote remained heated, underscoring deep divisions within the community.

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