Pasco council approves interim city attorney contract with Ogden Murphy Wallace
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Summary
The City Council voted to approve Resolution No. 4691 to retain Ogden Murphy Wallace to serve as city attorney while the city completes recruitment for a permanent hire; staff noted the contract omits the typical indemnification clause for counsel services.
The Pasco City Council approved Resolution No. 4691 to retain the law firm Ogden Murphy Wallace as interim city attorney services while the city completes its recruitment for a permanent city attorney.
Harold Stewart and other staff explained the city ran an RFP and considered two firms before recommending Ogden Murphy Wallace. Staff clarified the recommended contract intentionally omits a standard indemnification clause common in public works agreements. "Law firms, when they give advice and counsel, they don't actually have the final action," staff said, explaining why indemnification language differs from engineering or construction contracts.
The motion to approve Resolution No. 4691 was moved and seconded on the record and passed by council vote. Staff indicated the contract will remain in place only until the city completes its internal hiring and transition to an in‑house city attorney; the agreement assigns the city's legal representation responsibilities to the firm during that interim period.
City staff said firm representatives were available online to answer technical questions, and the council had an opportunity to raise contract questions during the meeting before voting to approve the agreement.