The Sebastian City Council voted unanimously to table its decision on selecting a permanent city attorney and placed the item on the Jan. 28 agenda after members said they wanted time to consider reopening the search and to evaluate an alternative option.

Council members spent the meeting weighing two finalists against a possible third option and the prospect of extending the interim attorney’s assignment. Vice Mayor McPartland praised both applicants as capable and proactive, saying the council was “not in any kind of rush to make a hire” and noting one candidate had promised ongoing assistance “as long as we need him here.” Mayor Jones expressed concern about the city’s ability to compete on compensation, saying, “Sebastian does not have a ton of money to pay these attorneys.”

Why it matters: choosing a city attorney establishes the municipality’s primary legal counsel for contracts, land use and litigation. Council members said they wanted to avoid picking a second-best candidate without first exploring an option they had just learned about and ensuring the city can afford stable counsel.

During discussion, some members urged reopening recruitment early in the new year to broaden the applicant pool, noting that year-end timing may have suppressed applications. Others proposed a short-term extension with the interim attorney, Mr. Stokes, through the summer while the council evaluated proposals or waited for a larger candidate pool.

Council member Matthews said the finalists “each bring different aspects to the table” and recommended postponement rather than restarting the hiring process. A council member moved to table the item to the Jan. 28 meeting; another council member seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll and the motion carried unanimously. The council then adjourned.

The Jan. 28 agenda will include the item so members can review any proposals or staffing updates before deciding whether to reopen the search or appoint a candidate to the permanent role.