Fulton County hires outside firm to review Prothonotary's Office; commissioners hold Prothonotary interviews

Fulton County commissioners voted on Feb. 3 to retain outside counsel and consultants to review the Prothonotary's Office and conducted interviews for the office's vacancy.

Commissioner Hervey P. Hann moved to approve and execute an engagement letter from KB&S — Kulla, Barkdoll & Stewart, P.C. — "to provide professional legal and consulting services related to a review of the Fulton County Prothonotary's Office." The motion carried "all in favor." The minutes record that the engagement letter was executed as presented; no scope-of-work text beyond the phrase in the engagement letter is included in the meeting minutes.

The board also met in executive session for personnel matters in the morning and again after the afternoon reconvening. Interviews for the Prothonotary's Office were conducted by the commissioners, HR Administrator Mary Huston and Chief Clerk Stacy M. Shives; the minutes do not list the candidates' names. Separately, Commissioner Randy H. Bunch moved to appoint Commissioner Steven L. Wible to perform committee duties assigned to him when his medical leave begins; that motion passed "all in favor." The minutes note that the appointment is effective when the medical leave begins.

During public comment at the start of the meeting resident Carolyn Kerlin inquired about updates on litigation matters; the minutes do not record a response or further details and note that litigation matters were addressed in executive session. The minutes record that the tax appeal hearing beginning at 9:20 a.m. had Commissioner Wible abstain due to a conflict of interest; separate minutes for that hearing are on file.

The meeting record indicates the board adjourned at 3:05 p.m.