Council keeps longtime city attorney after manager's pick spurs debate; motion amended to retain both firms

The Eastport City Council on Jan. 14 approved an amended motion to name outside counsel while retaining the city's longtime in-house attorney for on-call work.

The council president presented a motion to appoint the law firm recommended by the city manager as city solicitor. Dennis, the city's long-serving attorney, told the council that he had not been fully briefed and said, "I guess I'd have to say that that discussion probably should have been held before." The manager said he wanted the firm available for the city's work while keeping the historical relationship with Dennis intact.

Rhonda Stevens and other council members asked whether keeping two firms would increase costs; staff described retainer and hourly differences and said the retainer covers attendance at meetings. After discussion, the council amended the motion to appoint both the recommended firm and Dennis to cover different needs. A roll-call vote recorded the amended motion as approved.

Why it matters: The city solicitor provides legal advice on ordinances, contracts and executive‑session matters. Council members said they sought to balance continuity and institutional knowledge with the manager's desire for external counsel.

On the record: Dennis said he could continue to provide local, on‑the‑ground assistance but made clear he would not serve in a dual‑counsel capacity unless explicitly asked. The manager apologized for the communication lapse and said he valued Dennis's years of service.

What happens next: The amended appointment places the two firms on the roster for city legal work; council directed staff to manage hours and retainer costs and to bring any future changes back to the council if budget or scope concerns arise. No further personnel actions were taken during the meeting.

Ending: The council completed the vote on the amended motion and moved on to other agenda items.