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Commissioners debate hiring new county attorney; mayor says he will contract Shon Johnson
Summary
A proposed appointment of Shon Debrock Johnson as county attorney prompted debate over term length, local applicants and process; Mayor Brett Lashlee said he would proceed to contract Johnson and the resolution was pulled and deferred to October.
Commissioners debated Resolution 0917-04, which would appoint Shon Debrock Johnson of Henry County as Benton County’s new county attorney for a four‑year term.
Several commissioners said the position should be advertised and expressed a preference for a local attorney or a shorter term. Commissioner Rosanne Ward and Commissioner Rachelle Hill urged consideration of local candidates and questioned the four‑year term length. Commissioner Mary Powers noted the county handbook states the mayor makes the appointment with commission approval.
After motions to defer and table the resolution were introduced and withdrawn, Mayor Brett Lashlee told the commission, "I will not advertise and I am going to contract Mr. Johnson as the County Attorney whether the commission likes it or not." Mr. Phil Hollis agreed to remain county attorney until the commission finalizes an appointment.
Commissioner Ward moved to table the resolution until the October meeting; on roll call the motion failed, 8 Aye and 9 Nay. The mayor subsequently pulled Resolution 0917-04 from the agenda and said it would be brought back at the October meeting.
The exchange left the appointment unsettled; Mr. Johnson attended and took questions at the meeting, but the commission did not approve the appointment on Sept. 17.
