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Commission approves $500 retainer for proposed legal counsel
Summary
The commission voted to approve a $500 retainer to secure legal counsel after receiving one letter of interest; one invited firm did not respond.
BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — The Berkeley County Civil Service Commission voted May 21 to offer a $500 retainer to an attorney who expressed interest in serving as the commission's legal counsel.
The commission asked two firms to submit letters of interest. Patrick Henry sent a letter dated May 12 indicating availability; Michael J. Funk of Steptoe and Johnson, PLLC did not respond by the stated deadline. A staff member told commissioners the county's finance office indicated a retainer could carry across the fiscal year. The commission voted to provide a $500 retainer to secure counsel.
Why it matters: The commission has used outside counsel for legal advice and sought to ensure a retained attorney is available for procedural and statutory questions, including those arising from hires, hearings and rules revisions.
Process and vote - Staff said an invoice of $100 had been paid in April for prior consultation and that both attorneys had been invited to submit letters of interest. - Patrick Henry submitted a letter; Michael J. Funk did not reply. - Commissioners moved to approve a $500 annual retainer to secure counsel; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps Staff will notify Patrick Henry of the retainer arrangement and request a scope-of-services letter for commission records. The retainer will be administered through the commission's budget and, according to county finance staff, may carry into the next fiscal year if needed.
Ending The commission recorded the vote to secure counsel and closed discussion on the item.
