Milton council rejects waiver of attorney‑client privilege, moves to secure interim counsel

Milton City Council on Feb. 20 rejected a motion to waive attorney‑client privilege for a pending public‑records lawsuit involving Mayor Heather Lindsay and moved to secure interim legal counsel while the city solicits applicants.

The vote was 3 in favor and 5 opposed on a motion to waive privilege for the specific case and to release transcripts from a recent Shade meeting, council members said. The council then discussed options for short‑term legal coverage and confirmed a request for qualifications was posted and would remain open for 30 days.

Why it matters: The dispute centers on a judge’s ruling that certain records are public and on the council’s recent decision to dismiss or withdraw court action related to those records. The outcome affects whether the council can discuss the litigation openly and whether the city will be without general counsel for day‑to‑day legal review while it transitions representation.

Public speakers at the meeting accused Mayor Heather Lindsay of withholding records. “The mayor for almost a year now, Heather Lindsay has refused to provide…