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Council motion to fire city's law firm fails after tie vote
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Summary
A motion to terminate Sunnyside's contract with Ogden Murphy Wallace for cause was brought to the April 21 special meeting, debated over cost and continuity, and failed after roll call; the council will remain with the current firm while considering future policy.
The Sunnyside City Council voted on Tuesday on a motion to terminate its legal-services agreement with Ogden Murphy Wallace but the motion failed after roll call.
The mayor, citing a "breakdown of communication" and a loss of confidence in the firm's ability to align with council direction, moved to terminate the city's agreement for cause and directed staff to begin the process of securing new counsel. "I will motion to terminate the city's agreement with Ogden Murphy Wallace for cause effective immediately based on a breakdown of communication, lack of alignment with council direction, and an ability to effectively support the council," the mayor said.
The nut graf: Councilors split over the motion, with several cautioning that replacing the firm would be costly and disruptive. One councilor warned the city could not afford to lose the firm given staffing and financial challenges; the city attorney and other councilors said the firm currently provides significant support on public-records, litigation and day-to-day matters.
Opponents of termination noted the practical cost and time required to bring new counsel up to speed. The interim city manager and others warned of the expense and potential coverage gaps; the city attorney described the firm's municipal resources and confirmed multiple staff currently support Sunnyside's matters.
After debate the mayor called a roll-call vote. Councilor Chavez voted yes; other votes included no votes and one abstention; the mayor recorded the outcome as a tie and declared the motion failed.
The meeting transcript records disagreement about whether the city should proceed with termination immediately or first consider alternatives (for-cause termination versus 60-day notice without cause). The city attorney told the council the contract allows immediate termination for cause but 60 days would apply for termination without cause.
With the motion defeated, the city remains represented by Ogden Murphy Wallace. Councilors who opposed termination urged the mayor and council to focus on improving clarity and communication with legal counsel, and some asked staff to examine options and costs before any further action.
The meeting adjourned shortly after the vote at 8:30 p.m.
