During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the structure and governance of the interlocal agreement that has been in place for 24 years, with the current iteration established in 2015. The agreement serves as a foundational charter for the governing body, similar to how city and county charters function for their respective commissions.

Commissioner Proctor raised concerns regarding the existing legal structure, suggesting that the current arrangement may limit the board's ability to independently assess recommendations made by staff and the sitting attorney. He emphasized the need for independent legal counsel to ensure that the board can make informed decisions without being overly influenced by staff consensus or external negotiations. Proctor argued that the board deserves an independent perspective to safeguard against potential conflicts of interest and to enhance accountability.

Director Matlow echoed Proctor's sentiments, highlighting that the current setup is atypical compared to other public agencies. He pointed out that the integrity of legal counsel is crucial, especially when staff opinions may conflict with legal advice. Matlow stressed the importance of having an attorney who represents the public's interest rather than being appointed by staff, which could expose the board to unnecessary risks.

The meeting also featured public input, with Dot Inman Johnson questioning the rationale behind the governance structure of the intergovernmental agency board. She noted that both the county and city attorneys report directly to their respective governing boards, suggesting that a similar structure should apply to the interlocal agreement board to ensure consistency and accountability.

As the meeting progressed, the chair encouraged members to reach a consensus and move forward with the discussions, indicating that the topic had been revisited multiple times without resolution. The interlocal agreement remains a critical topic for the governing body, with implications for how legal counsel is structured and how decisions are made moving forward.