Mesquite council approves full-time deputy city attorney contract amid calls for a permanent city attorney

The City of Mesquite voted Oct. 28 to approve a full‑time contract for Kyle Waite as deputy city attorney at $100,000 per year with full benefits, a change staff said responds to increased prosecution duties under new hearing requirements.

City staff explained that recent changes require prosecutors to be available for timely hearings (including Thursday and Saturday availability) and estimated part‑time arrangements were no longer adequate. Staff and the judge praised the candidate’s courtroom availability and preparation.

Council members asked about cost implications and the net budget impact; staff said the shift to a single full‑time deputy increases costs relative to prior part‑time arrangements and estimated the net increase at roughly $60,000 annually when factoring benefits and combining prior part‑time compensation.

Public commenters urged caution about hiring deputies without a permanent city attorney in place, suggesting a law‑firm contract with a dedicated attorney and backup resources might provide broader coverage. Councilmembers who supported the hire said prosecution workload and statutory timelines made the full‑time deputy appropriate.

Outcome: Council adopted the contract. Staff will continue work on broader legal‑services arrangements, including discussions about a permanent city attorney or firm contract, according to public comments and council questions.

What happens next: The deputy will assume full‑time duties; any further restructuring of the city‑attorney office will be considered in later council actions.