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Council discusses city attorney transition, asks about severance limits in draft contract
Summary
Council reviewed a consulting agreement for a city attorney transition and an employment agreement for the new city attorney. Members sought clarification about severance language that conditions extra months on whether replacement employment is within Salt Lake County.
Council members reviewed two personnel items: a consulting agreement with Shane Topham to assist with the city attorney transition and an employment agreement for Todd Sharon to begin as the city attorney on Aug. 6, 2026. Discussion in the work session focused on a severance clause that could extend pay for up to three additional months unless the former attorney obtains 'comparable employment located within Salt Lake County.'
Several councilmembers asked whether the geographic limitation should remain. "If he gets some additional employment, then we don't continue to pay the severance whether it's in Salt Lake County or not," one member said, arguing the county restriction may be unnecessary. City staff and a council supporter explained the clause reflects negotiated expectations about commute and what the candidate found acceptable when agreeing to terms.
No formal vote was recorded in the work session. Councilmembers signaled general comfort with moving forward on the hires but noted that changing contract language after negotiation would require the candidate's agreement. The items will proceed through the city's formal meeting process.
