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Juno Beach committee votes 3–2 to hold interviews for town attorney selection
Summary
The evaluation committee voted 3–2 to hold interviews with candidate firms rather than immediately negotiate with the top‑ranked firm; the vote followed debate about a direct hire option and budget constraints.
The Juno Beach evaluation committee voted 3–2 to conduct interviews with applicants for the town attorney position instead of proceeding immediately to negotiate with the highest‑ranked firm. Vice Mayor Pro Tem Davis moved that the committee hold interviews; Council Member Halpern seconded. Tom Clark conducted a roll call: Mayor Wheeler, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Davis and Council Member Halpern voted in favor; Vice Mayor John Callahan and Council Member Mary Anne Hosta voted against.
The motion followed an extended discussion. Vice Mayor Callahan argued for hiring a part‑time in‑house attorney to handle routine municipal matters, saying the town “doesn’t have enough work for 40 hours a week for an attorney.” Supporters of interviews said face‑to‑face meetings are standard practice for critical hires and would let the council probe references, billing increments and team composition before any contract negotiation. The committee asked staff to contact firms and to prepare for interviews before the Oct. 22 council meeting.
