La Habra city attorney of 40 years announces retirement; council names Keith Collins successor

City Attorney **** Jones told the City Council on March 17 that he is retiring after 40 years of service and that, with the council’s approval, Keith Collins will replace him as the city attorney.

Jones told the council he had attended nearly 1,000 council meetings during his tenure and said the decision was bittersweet. “I have announced the city council in closed session publicly that I am now retiring after 40 years as a city attorney,” Jones said during the meeting.

Council members repeatedly thanked Jones for his long service. Councilmember Gomez said the city would miss Jones’s “tremendous legacy,” and other councilmembers noted Jones’s local roots and work with nonprofit boards.

After brief public testimony (none spoke on the item), the council voted to approve Amendment No. 4 to the city attorney services agreement with the Jones & Mayer law firm, designating Keith Collins as city attorney and Britney Roberto as assistant city attorney. The motion carried unanimously.

The approval updates the city's contract arrangement rather than creating a new in‑house position; council members and Jones noted he will remain in La Habra and has agreed to be available to assist Collins as needed. The item was pulled from the consent calendar for public recognition and separate vote.

The council did not discuss any changes to the scope of legal services beyond the personnel designation. Staff indicated the amendment simply accomplishes the personnel transition within the existing services agreement.