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Town council approves town-attorney fee increase to $275 hourly, effective July 1
Summary
The council voted April 8 to raise the town attorney hourly rate to $275, effective July 1. Councilmembers praised the attorney's responsiveness and recommended approval; the litigation rate remains unchanged.
The Indian Trail Town Council approved an hourly rate increase for the town attorney at the April 8 meeting.
Town Attorney Melanie Cox requested a rate adjustment effective July 1; council discussion noted Cox has provided local, accessible municipal legal services since 2022 and has been responsive to staff and council inquiries. Councilmembers praised her handling of recent contract issues and her plainspoken legal advice.
Councilmember Crystal moved to approve the requested increase to $275 per hour; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Council guidance and notes
- Council clarified litigation hourly rates remain set at $300 per hour (no change from previous authorization). - Several councilmembers cited the attorney's experience, accessibility and negotiation work (including a referenced solid-waste contract mediation) as reasons to approve the change.
Ending
The rate change takes effect July 1; staff will update contract and billing records accordingly. The council did not discuss any change to retainer or meeting flat fees at the meeting.
