Council approves 6% merit raise for city attorney after praise and pointed criticism

Britney Walker, Boulder City’s city attorney, received a 6% merit increase after the council completed her annual performance review and voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 79‑41.

Walker opened her presentation by outlining office structure and work: she said the city attorney’s office comprises herself and a paralegal (Bernadette Almeida) and that the city uses an independent prosecutor, Thomas Moskal, to handle misdemeanor and ordinance violations. Walker reported roughly 400 criminal complaints handled in the prior year and said about 50–60% of her time is devoted to contract drafting and review. She highlighted a contract renegotiation that increased value for the city—citing an additional $2,000 per megawatt for battery‑storage installed above generation capacity—as one of several negotiated wins. Walker also described efforts to limit outside‑counsel costs by contracting a panel of firms at reduced hourly rates.

On municipal law and ordinance work, Walker said she drafted or reviewed 67 ordinances in the period, including updates to animal licensing (microchipping), civil enforcement of animal control, an anti‑camping draft, liquor license revisions and a proposed franchise ordinance to regulate utility attachments and fees in the public right of way. She said those drafting efforts and contract templates are intended to modernize the municipal code and better protect the city’s interests and public‑records obligations.

Council responses ranged from strong praise to critical remarks. Councilman Walton and others commended Walker’s work negotiating contracts and limiting outside counsel expenses. In contrast, Councilwoman Booth delivered a detailed critique, saying, “It’s my belief that miss Walker has struggled to provide clear, precise, and well researched answers to city council questions,” and raising concerns about contract lapses and an MOU with Clark County for Justice Court services. Multiple council members then responded with examples of Walker’s helpful guidance and regional advocacy.

Acting City Manager reported an average evaluation score of 4.19 for the city attorney and presented the base salary figure contained in Resolution 79‑41 as $154,241.10. After discussion, Councilman Walton moved to approve a 6% merit increase, a motion that was seconded and approved unanimously.

Resolution 79‑41 was adopted to apply a 6% merit increase to the city attorney’s base salary; the mayor announced the unanimous vote. The council’s conversation documented both the city attorney’s role in reducing litigation expense and drafting municipal ordinances and a council member’s concerns about responsiveness and contract oversight; both lines of commentary remain part of the public record.

The council adjourned after brief closing formalities.