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Citizen questions developer-funded legal fees and asks county for disclosure
Summary
A resident raised concerns that developer-funded disbursements to county outside counsel could create independence issues under Kansas ethics rules and requested public release of engagement terms and evidence of informed consent.
Jim Carlskin (speaker 20) asked the commission to provide transparency about the county's engagement with outside counsel and whether developer funds are being used to pay legal fees tied to Project Bluestem. He cited an engagement letter that, he said, shows discounted government billing rates and separate provisions for developer-paid work and requested documentation showing the county's informed consent under Kansas Rule of Professional Conduct 1.8.
Carlskin said public confidence requires clear written safeguards that prevent third-party payers from influencing litigation strategy or accessing privileged information. He requested that the county release the engagement letter and explain what protections exist to preserve attorney independence. County staff acknowledged the question and were asked to make the documents public if they exist.
