La Plata council names Todd K. Pounds town attorney; firm to bill $200 per hour

La Plata — The Town Council on Jan. 27 adopted a resolution appointing Todd K. Pounds of Alexander and Cleaver to serve as La Plata's town attorney under terms in an engagement letter dated Jan. 14, 2026.

Town Manager Chuck Stevens said the town had been operating under a six-month professional services agreement with special counsel while staff evaluated long-term legal counsel options. The selection process evaluated municipal law experience, availability, knowledge of Maryland municipal law and cost structure; Alexander and Cleaver, a firm based in Oxon Hill, Maryland, was recommended for its municipal experience and team approach.

Stevens outlined the proposed terms: attorney time billed at $200 per hour with billing in quarter-hour increments and reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs such as filing fees, service fees, mileage and copying. The engagement letter sets standard billing and reporting expectations; Stevens said monthly itemized billing statements will allow monitoring against the town's budget.

Mayor James formally nominated Alexander and Cleaver with Todd K. Pounds as the point of contact; council voiced support and then adopted Resolution 26-09 by voice vote. Stevens said the appointment would be effective Jan. 28, 2026, and that the firm will provide advisory opinions, ordinance and contract review, representation at council meetings as needed and litigation management services.

What happens next: The firm will begin under the terms of the engagement letter, and the town will monitor monthly bills and raise any significant unanticipated legal matters through the budget amendment process.