Vernon County board appoints Johns, Flaherty & Collins as corporation counsel after debate over staffing and contract terms

The Vernon County Board of Supervisors voted June 25 to designate Johns, Flaherty & Collins (JFC) as the county’s corporation counsel under a three-year legal services agreement running July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The vote followed presentations by attorneys from JFC and Russell Law and several hours of debate over costs and whether to pursue a full-time, on‑staff corporation counsel.

The move began with Supv. David Eggen’s motion to award all corporation‑counsel duties to JFC rather than splitting work between JFC and Russell Law; that amendment passed 13–5 (one absent). Attorneys representing both firms answered questions about experience and scope. Attorney Brian G. Weber of JFC told the board he was willing to accept proposed contract edits, saying, “I am not opposed to any of the changes suggested.”

Supervisor Champion successfully moved a set of contract amendments that the board incorporated into the final agreement. Changes included replacing the term “County Administrator” with “County Administrative Coordinator” in the scope section, specifying that paralegals will be billed at $120 per hour, removing automatic renewal language, requiring 90 days’ written notice for termination (with an option to end sooner in 60 days), and eliminating mileage reimbursement for travel billed under the contract. The contract sets an initial attorney rate of $225 per hour and paralegals at $120; the agreement provides for an adjustment to $250 per hour if the contract is extended for a second term.

A procedural dispute arose when Supv. Eggen called the question and asked for a paper ballot; Supv. Taylor questioned whether a motion to end debate required a two‑thirds vote under Robert’s Rules. Chair Lorn Goede attempted a show‑of‑hands to end debate; ten members supported ending debate, short of the 13 needed. Supv. Slack’s motion to refer the matter back to the General Government committee for further study — including a comparison of employee versus contracted counsel — failed on a 1–17 vote. The board then approved the amended contract by roll call, 18–0.

The contract text filed with the minutes names Brian G. Weber and Anthony R. Gingrasso as the primary JFC contacts and authorizes JFC to attend board and committee meetings, prepare ordinances and contracts, and provide litigation and advisory services. The minutes show the General Government committee issued an RFP and recommended appointment after reviewing five proposals; the committee initially proposed splitting duties between firms but the full board elected to award the full contract to JFC.

Next steps noted in the minutes include the contract becoming effective July 1, 2026, and a GenGov follow‑up: at least two supervisors requested that the General Government committee prepare a clearer analysis of the pros and cons of an employee corporation counsel and return with comparative numbers for the board’s next consideration, an item listed on the July agenda request by Supv. Jacobson.