Two private security firms have filed a lawsuit against New York City Comptroller John Liu charging that he inflated the city’s prevailing-wage rate for security guards employed by city contractors.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the firms filed a lawsuit in Manhattan state Supreme Court contending that Liu established minimum hourly rate for security guards as high as $18.91, including benefits. That’s up from $11.50 in 2007.

The pay scale carries significant weight. Companies must pay at least that much to their workers in order to secure contracts with the city.

A spokesman for Liu said Saturday that the comptroller’s office has received the complaint. The spokesman, Michael Loughran, said Liu’s office is reviewing the paperwork and will provide a detailed response.

Earlier this month, a man who raised money for Liu surrendered to face charges he conspired to funnel illegal contributions amid an investigation of Liu’s campaign finances.

(Source: WCBSTV)