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Park County board retains outside law firm and names Christine Fitch county attorney
Summary
Park County commissioners voted 3-0 to retain Michal Guckenberger McCaskin LLP as outside counsel and to appoint attorney Christine Fitch as county attorney effective April 15; board members thanked outgoing counsel and staff said the new firm will support a transition for planning‑related legal services.
The Board of County Commissioners of Park County voted unanimously April 1 to retain Michal Guckenberger McCaskin LLP as outside legal counsel and to appoint Christine Fitch of that firm as Park County attorney, effective April 15.
County Attorney Erin Smith recommended the retention, saying the firm has previously represented the county on special matters, especially in property tax work, and that Fitch would serve as the county’s primary contact. “In approving this item, you will be appointing, well, retaining the firm of Michal Guckenberger McCaskin to serve as legal counsel to the board of county commissioners effective today,” Smith said on the record.
The board’s vote follows the March announcement that the county’s current attorney will step down in mid‑April. Commissioners thanked the outgoing counsel for their service during the public meeting. Commissioner comments noted the firm’s prior work with Park County and said they expect continuity. The motion carried 3‑0.
During public comment, members of the Planning Commission and residents urged the board to ensure legal support for land‑use review after the transition. Greg Johnson, speaking during public comment, said the Planning Commission “relies on Julie Westendorp immensely” and expressed concern about the timing of her absence in mid‑April. Erin Smith replied that the firm being retained is experienced in land‑use and strategic master plan matters and that county staff would work to make the transition seamless, noting the board had also directed staff to assist with the transition.
The appointment of Fitch will be effective April 15 to coincide with the departure date given by the current county attorney. Commissioners made the motion, seconded and adopted by roll call voice vote with no dissents.
The board also approved retaining Sullivan Green C D Jarvis LLC as special counsel for work on the county’s 10‑41 regulations (the county’s 10‑41 process for jurisdictional/land‑use review), a separate action taken later in the meeting.
The county clerk’s minutes will record the formal retention contracts and the effective date for the appointment.
