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Clinton County hires outside counsel to defend Article 78 challenge over Plattsburgh police appointment
Summary
The legislature authorized hiring Fisher, Bassett, Muldowney & McArdle LLP at a municipal rate to represent the county in an Article 78 proceeding challenging a police chief appointment; county attorney Jackie reported conflicts prevented internal counsel from representing the county.
The Clinton County Legislature on June 25 approved contracting with the Malone law firm of Fisher, Bassett, Muldowney & McArdle LLP to represent the county in an Article 78 proceeding challenging the appointment of a City of Plattsburgh police chief.
County Attorney Jackie told legislators that an Article 78 petition was filed and contended the appointee was not eligible, naming the county civil service department in the suit. Jackie said she and the county deputy had conflicts of interest and therefore could not represent the county in the matter. She said the Malone firm, which does municipal work, agreed to represent the county at a discounted municipal rate of $300 per hour.
Legislators authorized the contract so outside counsel could meet a filing deadline (Jackie said a filing was due in about 14 days) and begin work. The matter was placed on the agenda so counsel could be engaged promptly.
The transcript identified the plaintiff in the matter as Joan M. Janssen but did not include further details of the petition’s allegations or court schedule beyond the near‑term filing deadline cited by county staff.
The legislature approved Resolution number 480 authorizing the contract; the record shows motions and a roll call on the resolution. No litigation strategy or privileged details were disclosed in open session; members later moved into executive session on litigation and personnel matters.
