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Middlebury board extends town attorney term through July amid legal backlog
Summary
The select board voted to extend the town attorney's term through July 31, 2026, citing five pending tax appeals and an active CHRO complaint; some members had urged waiting for the incoming board but the extension passed to ensure continuity.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Marr moved to appoint Barbara M. Schellenberg and Zabel Schellenberg and, after debate, accepted an amendment to extend the town attorney's term through July 31, 2026.
The extension followed concerns that changing firms in the middle of five active tax appeals, a CHRO complaint and other time‑sensitive matters would leave the town without legal representation. "We're in the middle of... tax appeals, a CHRO complaint, and on some other things that are time sensitive this month," Marr said, urging continuity.
Other board members argued the new board members should have the opportunity to weigh in on a permanent appointment. One member said it would be fair to wait until new seats were filled to make a permanent choice; Marr responded that the current town attorney's term expires June 30 and she would be unable to represent the town after that date.
After the amendment to extend the term until 07/31/2026 was offered and accepted, the board voted by voice and recorded 'Aye' votes; the motion passed.
The board's action was framed as a stopgap to preserve continuity while leaving future permanent appointment decisions to the incoming board.
