Assistant City Manager Deirdre Jacobs asked the council on Feb. 5 to consider approving and funding independent counsel to help prepare a response to a mayor’s report released previously. Jacobs told council the anticipated cost may exceed the city manager’s $25,000 administrative spending authority and therefore requires council approval.

Why it matters: The matter stems from a mayoral report released earlier; Jacobs said the staff response would cover employees who were or are subject to the city manager’s direction and who appear in the mayor’s report. Jacobs framed the request as a way to “expose all of the facts” and to provide due process for employees who said they were named in the report.

Human resources and employees: Personnel director Taniel Cassey told council HR had contacted the employees referenced in the report; Cassey said all responded and that “they agree… and want an independent person to look into the mayor’s report to clear their name.” Jacobs said the employees had declined to speak to the initial investigator who prepared the mayor’s report and requested an independent attorney or investigator unaffiliated with the original review.

Council response and process: Several council members asked for the request to be put in writing and added to the next council agenda with clear scope, a proposed cap and procurement steps. Councilmembers discussed whether the city manager (per charter language) should initiate an internal investigation and whether the council should authorize independent counsel or an independent investigation. One motion on the floor was withdrawn; council members asked staff to prepare a written proposal clarifying scope, dollar amount and whether the work would be legal representation for employees or an independent factual review.

Next steps: Council asked staff to return with a written recommendation and procurement plan so the council can consider any formal authorization at a future meeting.