Natrona County considers hiring outside attorney for Title 25 hearings amid staff shortages

A significant discussion unfolded during the Natrona County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 15, 2025, regarding the potential outsourcing of Title 25 hearings due to an impending staff shortage. Legal representatives urged the board to consider hiring an outside attorney to manage these hearings, emphasizing the complexities involved and the limited availability of current staff.

The board acknowledged that with only one attorney remaining, the workload could become unmanageable, particularly as court obligations would consume much of their time. A motion was made to move forward with contracting an outside attorney, reflecting a strategy previously employed by the county.

Commissioners also discussed the financial implications of handling cases from other counties. An attorney raised concerns about the county's decision to stop prosecuting Title 25 cases for out-of-county residents, suggesting that it had been a profitable venture for Natrona County. However, the board clarified that the financial benefits were not straightforward, with revenues from such cases being complicated by billing processes.

The conversation highlighted the need for a clear plan moving forward, as commissioners debated whether to reinstate previous agreements for outside counsel or to allow other counties to manage their own cases. The board's decision will likely impact how Title 25 hearings are conducted in the future, as they seek to balance legal obligations with available resources.