The Seward County Board of County Commissioners voted to retain the Folston Seifkin law firm to represent the county on matters related to a conditional-use application for a wind project and potential future solar projects.

County staff reported that one previously identified attorney, Glenn Curbs, declined representation. Commissioners discussed options and a motion to hire Folston Seifkin with Trish Voth as lead counsel for wind and solar projects passed on a 3-2 vote.

April Warden, county administrator, noted the conditional-use permit filing and that public notices for the project's hearing had been sent. Commissioners emphasized the need to secure counsel quickly because the permit process is already underway. One commissioner said limiting representation to a named attorney might still allow the firm to use associates as needed.

Why it matters: The county's choice of legal counsel determines its participation and legal strategy in the developerconditional-use process, which has implications for local land use and potential revenue or mitigation agreements.

Ending: Commissioners approved hiring the firm and instructed staff to proceed with contracting; the board did not record further details of the contract terms during the meeting.