The City Attorney has conducted a thorough evaluation of existing resources and office needs and has determined there is a need to establish an additional Assistant Attorney II position. Currently, the office contracts with outside counsel for certain legal services, but the expanding scope of municipal legal responsibilities requires dedicated in-house expertise to ensure continued high-quality legal services across several key functions.

The previous City Attorney anticipated this need and budgeted for a third in house attorney, so this is not a request for a budgetary increase.

The individual in this role will handle comprehensive contract review and analysis, which requires consistent oversight and specialized expertise similar to that of complex commercial transactions. In addition, the Attorney II will oversee policy development and review, including current municipal policies and new initiatives that are presently under consideration. The position will also provide litigation support and case management for municipal legal matters, conduct high-level legal research, monitor developments in statutory and case law, and provide regular legislative updates and legal guidance to the City Council and city departments, all of which are critical functions that require regular, dedicated attention.

Due to the scope and complexity of these legal responsibilities, this position is necessary to provide consistent, specialized legal support. This role will enhance the office's ability to bring legal work in-house, reduce reliance on outside counsel, and maintain comprehensive, proactive legal services that meet the city's evolving needs. The position will ensure the City receives timely, cost-effective legal guidance while maintaining the highest standards of municipal legal practice and providing greater continuity, institutional knowledge, and ongoing legal updates than contracted services can offer.