Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Interim City Attorney topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council extends interim city attorney contract through January 2027 to allow evaluation and potential recruitment
Summary
After debating evaluation timing and recruitment logistics, the council approved a third amendment extending the interim city attorney agreement through Jan. 31, 2027, and directed that an evaluation occur in September to inform the council's decision.
The council voted unanimously on July 13 to approve a third amendment extending the interim city attorney agreement through January 31, 2027.
Council members discussed whether a shorter extension (to October) or a longer one was appropriate given the upcoming council transition, the time required to recruit a permanent city attorney, and the need to conduct an evaluation. Several members said they wanted an evaluation of the interim attorney's performance in September, with a hiring decision or extension to follow; others argued that a longer extension (through the end of January or into spring) would give the new council time to recruit and transition without creating a gap in legal services.
Vice Mayor Chao and Council Member Fruin both expressed support for extending the term through January to give adequate lead time for any recruitment. The mayor asked staff to keep the evaluation timeline in place and to return reports to council. The council then adopted the extension; members and several public commenters praised the interim city attorney for helpful legal explanations throughout the meeting.
Next steps: the council will complete the planned evaluation and, if desired, proceed with recruitment; staff will coordinate timing to avoid gaps in legal coverage.
