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Commission hires Robert Ryan as outside counsel under engagement letter
Summary
The commission voted to engage Robert Ryan (Ryan Law PLLC) for general advice and counsel on an open‑ended basis; Ryan outlined $275/hour billing and said he would not take a retainer.
Robert Ryan presented an engagement proposal to serve as outside general counsel to the Hardy County Commission. Ryan described his background—service as a circuit judge, prior private practice, and bar admissions—and summarized the proposed terms: an open‑ended engagement, billing at $275 per hour in tenth‑hour increments (six‑minute units) and no monthly retainer. He said either party may end the representation by written notice.
A commissioner made a motion to accept the proposal; the motion was seconded and carried with ayes recorded. After the vote, Ryan agreed to provide a countersigned copy so the county would have a dated agreement on file.
Commissioners and staff indicated they expect to use the new counsel for review of county contracts and other legal matters raised in recent agenda items, including the Humane Society memorandum of understanding and other pending drafts.
Ryan said he views the engagement partly as public service and that he would bill actual time as incurred rather than hold a retainer in trust.
The commission unanimously approved the engagement at the March 5 meeting.
