Fountain Hills council dispute over town attorney resignation prompts calls for audit release

Councilwoman Gail Earl told the Fountain Hills Town Council that she requested an executive-session review into the performance and billing associated with the town’s contract with its law firm, and said she would share the findings "within the bounds of the law." She also said the town attorney chose to end his service with 15 days’ notice after that review.

The issue surfaced during council reports when Earl said she had asked for an executive-session review of the town attorney’s performance and the firm’s billing practices. "My request for this review was within our council's authority and aligns with our obligation to ensure accountability of how taxpayer dollars are spent," she said during the May 6 meeting.

Residents in the public-comment period pressed the council for more transparency. Beth Culp and Renee Yarian, among others, asked the council to release the audit documents Earl referenced and to explain the circumstances of the town attorney’s resignation. "We demand that you release the audit," Culp said, citing a pledge of transparency made during earlier campaigns.

Several speakers criticized the town’s handling of the matter. Liz Gildersleeve told the council she supported Earl’s review and called the attorney’s public statements after his resignation a "temper tantrum". Renee Yarian said public reporting suggested council members had speculated without evidence about improper billing and demanded to see whatever audit materials exist.

Town Manager Rachel (role listed in the meeting roster) told the council she would work with Councilwoman Earl to obtain and share any digital records that could be released. The council majority previously authorized a 60-day transition period with the law firm to maintain continuity while the town seeks new counsel.

The council did not vote on the underlying contractual issues at the meeting, and the exact contents of any audit or the basis for Earl's review were not presented in open session. Several speakers requested that the council make any audit documents public; Earl said she had "no problem" releasing what she found but also emphasized that the review had occurred in executive session and that confidentiality limits apply.

The dispute and the public demand for records suggest the council will face additional meetings or agenda items to resolve outstanding questions about the town attorney relationship and any related procurement or billing concerns.