Council opens wider search for independent audit counsel after debate over candidate’s prior lawsuit

The Washington County Council voted unanimously to direct its committee to continue searching for independent counsel to conduct an audit and to present more than one candidate for the council to consider.

Council members debated whether the committee’s current candidate, Jennifer Peters, could serve with the appearance of independence after one member said Peters "had sued the county and she did win." That claim, made during the meeting, prompted sharply divided views about whether prior litigation disqualifies a candidate or demonstrates the candidate’s knowledge of county shortcomings.

The dispute began after the committee reported it had interviewed Peters and expected an engagement letter under state statute. A committee member said the attorney had reviewed relevant statutes and would forward an engagement letter; the council discussed timing and agreed the hiring process would begin in August with a possible vote in September. During the discussion one councilor urged the body to "go above and beyond to regain the trust of the community" and asked that any independent review be demonstrably impartial.

Several councilors argued that Peters’ past litigation against the county (raised during the meeting) means she understands weaknesses that an audit should address; one supporter said inviting Peters to present would be "only fair" and could help the county correct omissions. Opponents said the perception of prior adversarial involvement could undercut the audit’s credibility. Council counsel, present for the discussion, said it is appropriate for the council to evaluate all legal-representation options and that members should weigh cost, conflicts and experience.

Faced with competing views, the council amended a motion on the floor so the committee must provide more than one candidate (rather than excluding the committee’s current candidate outright). The amended motion passed unanimously. Council members said the committee will continue outreach, bring additional candidates to the August meeting if available, and provide materials (engagement letters and background) so all seven council members can evaluate candidates before any vote in September.

The council did not hire anyone at the meeting and did not approve any engagement letter; it recorded only the direction to the committee to expand the candidate list and continue the process.