Grandview aldermen approve interim prosecutor contract with Spradling Kennedy LLC after city prosecutor's death

The Grandview Board of Aldermen on a unanimous vote approved an ordinance appointing Spradling Kennedy LLC to serve as the city’s interim prosecuting attorney following the unexpected death of longtime city prosecutor Jerry Fournell.

City staff told the board the firm’s partners, Daniel Kennedy and Tracy Spradlin, have long served as backup counsel in local cases and will cover the office as the city conducts a full hiring process. The interim arrangement is to begin June 1 and operate month-to-month; the permanent prosecutor position has been posted, staff said.

“This way you’ll have coverage the entire time,” Daniel Kennedy said, explaining that using an LLC allows either partner to appear in court as needed. The ordinance places a legal services agreement with Spradling Kennedy LLC on the books to ensure prosecutorial coverage during the hiring period.

Board members asked about the term and about whether the city typically hires a firm rather than an individual. A city staff member told aldermen that the permanent prosecutor is engaged as an independent contractor, that this firm has filled in before and that the city had notified appropriate state authorities about an interim firm. The staff member said the hiring process is underway and the interim contract has no fixed end date.

The motion to place bill number 7846 on final passage was moved by Alderman Kendrick and seconded by Alderman Randolph. Roll-call votes recorded Alderman Kendrick, Alderman Randolph, Alderman Maloney, Alderman Turnbull and Alderman Jones voting yes. The ordinance was assigned number 7584.

Board remarks and staff comments emphasized continuity of court operations and the speed of the city’s response after Fournell’s death. The record shows the city posted the permanent position and will continue recruitment while the firm provides interim coverage.