Parlier council approves outside counsel for two pending trials, appoints interim city attorney

The Parlier City Council on Aug. 15 authorized an agreement with independent contractor attorney Neil Costanzo to represent the city in two pending lawsuits and confirmed an interim city attorney during a debate about legal costs and preparedness.

Acting City Manager David Serta presented the proposed contract and said Costanzo has prior involvement with the matters at issue. Interim City Attorney Megan Boranian read into the record the two cases Costanzo would handle: Jose Garza v. City of Parlier (case number as cited in the record) and Juan Torres v. City of Parlier (case number as cited in the record). Boranian said her role would be to remain informed of the status of those matters and to coordinate with outside counsel rather than lead trial representation herself.

Several residents objected during public comment to hiring outside counsel while the city also pays an interim attorney, calling it an unnecessary expense. One public commenter said the council had “to be paying two attorneys” and criticized prior decisions; another urged transparency about litigation costs. Boranian responded in council that she would not be the trial attorney for those two matters and that outside counsel would handle the courtroom work, while she would monitor bills and status.

Council members debated the timing and potential exposure to the city. Boranian said hourly rates were “within the litigation range of any attorney on these types of matters” and that the cases were near the end of litigation, which should limit out‑of‑pocket exposure. She also said she would monitor invoices and question charges as they are submitted.

A motion to authorize the contract with Neil Costanzo was made, seconded and approved by roll call (four votes in favor, one opposed). The council also voted earlier in the meeting to appoint Megan Boranian as interim city attorney by unanimous vote.

The mayor said the city’s practice is to follow legal counsel recommendations; Boranian and Serta told the council they would coordinate so the city stays informed. The contract and Boranian’s appointment were presented as steps to ensure continuity of legal representation as cases approach trial dates.

What happens next: The outside counsel contract was authorized; Boranian will remain the city’s interim attorney and will be kept informed of litigation progress. The council did not disclose an exact contract value in the public discussion on Aug. 15.