During the recent City Council meeting in New Franklin, Ohio, discussions centered around the role and compensation of the city’s law director, Mister Sugarman, who has served since 2018. The council reviewed his hourly compensation, which has been adjusted from $250 to $2.95 per hour, raising questions about the financial implications of this change.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the increasing costs associated with legal services. In 2019, the city spent just under $70,000 on legal fees, with expenditures rising to approximately $116,000 by September 2023. Projections suggest that by the end of the year, costs could exceed $150,000. This trend has prompted discussions about whether the city should consider hiring a full-time law director instead of relying on external legal services.

One council member highlighted that neighboring communities have opted for in-house legal staff, either through elected or appointed positions. This approach could potentially provide more consistent legal support and reduce long-term costs. However, concerns were raised about the optics of having the same law firm represent both the city and significant development projects, which could lead to conflicts of interest.

The council's deliberations reflect a growing recognition of the need for a strategic approach to legal services in New Franklin. As the city faces increasing legal demands, the decision on whether to hire a dedicated law director or continue with external counsel will have lasting implications for governance and community trust. The council plans to further explore this issue in upcoming meetings, weighing the benefits of in-house legal representation against the current model.