Council members reviewed seven responses to the village solicitor RFP and discussed comparative hourly rates and potential retainer agreements. The administrator summarized proposals from several firms and practitioners, describing Butler as the lowest‑cost option (up to $165/hour) and larger firms — including Bricker (Ben Yoder), Finney, and Frost Brown Todd — at higher hourly rates and with optional monthly retainers. The administrator noted some submissions lacked clarity about whether a partner or an associate would serve as the primary solicitor, and asked council members to consult the firms and references before deciding.

Council members flagged tradeoffs between a higher retainer (which could reduce hourly charges for frequent work) and paying hourly when services are used. One council member said the village’s average current monthly retainer is about $3,700 and asked colleagues to consider that figure against proposed retainers. Members agreed to delay any formal selection or vote until absent council members (identified in the record as Britney and David) have had time to review the materials; the administrator said he would contact each firm and follow up with additional information.

No formal appointment of a permanent solicitor was made at the meeting; the administrator encouraged council members to examine proposals posted online and to speak with references prior to any final decision.