Rogers v. Sangster

Hart, J.,

(after stating the facts). The chancellor held that the ordinance whereby the mayor and a majority of the board of aldermen were authorized to take over the waterworks plants and the electric light plant and operate and maintain the same was void, because they were interested parties. The decision of the chancellor was correct-, and the contract was void as against public policy. The rule is of general application, and is based upon principles of reason and of public policy.

In 2 Dillon on Municipal Corporations, (5th ed.), § 773, a clear and comprehensive statement of the rule is…