Board replaces long-serving county attorney; Daniel Peterson named interim counsel

The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners voted on Jan. 21 to end the longtime appointment of County Attorney Rich Cook and to appoint Daniel Peterson as interim county attorney on a six-month engagement at a rate of $295 per hour.

Commissioners first moved to conclude Cook’s appointment “pursuant to General Statute 153A-114.” That motion passed by voice vote recorded as 3–1. The board then voted to appoint Daniel Peterson as interim county attorney for a period of no more than six months and authorized the chairman to execute an engagement letter including a $295 hourly rate; that motion carried by voice vote recorded as 3–1.

Commissioners and Cook discussed the rate difference during the meeting. Commissioners noted Cook’s long service and that he previously billed the county at $150 per hour; the board majority said they had reasons to seek different counsel. Cook told the board he is undergoing treatment for health issues but said he continued to perform county work and intended to continue serving if the board wished.

Peterson introduced himself to the board after the vote and said he is a Cabarrus County native and the town attorney for Midland. “It’s an honor,” he said, adding he would “earn your trust” and that the interim engagement could be extended or not after six months.

Ending: The board authorized the chairman to sign an engagement letter for Peterson and said staff would evaluate longer-term legal services and look for potential savings. Commissioners recorded that future decisions on counsel rates and procurement could be reviewed by the newly created Commission on Financial Efficiency.