Numbers dictate no need for PTC in-house attorney, council told

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

A report on the benefits and disadvantages of hiring an in-house attorney for Peachtree City was presented to the City Council last week.

Local attorney Murray Weed, who volunteered to compile the report, said while an in-house attorney has its perks, it must also be considered that through the city's current arrangement gives access to 10 different attorneys at Webb, Lindsey, Collins, Jones and Wade.

That firm provides legal services and also serves as the city court solicitor for Peachtree City. Rough estimates indicate the city's fees for legal services and solicitor services will reach $322,250 this year; an estimated cost for the first year operating with an in-house attorney would be $381,950, Weed's report indicates.

Weed said the only city close to the size of Peachtree City with its own attorney was Warner Robins. That attorney doesn't serve as the city's chief prosecutor although the city is pushing a population of 50,000 compared to Peachtree City's 34,485 population.

Instead of hiring an in-house attorney, the city could choose to hire a staff attorney who could also serve as solicitor, Weed said. That person would be available at a moment's notice and could consult with department heads as necessary, he added.

But Councilwoman Annie McMenamin said she felt current appointed city attorney Rick Lindsey is very accessible whenever needed by city staff.

Weed recommended that a similar study be performed every few years to determine if the city's legal needs have changed enough to warrant hiring an in-house attorney. He also said if the city ever reached a population near 50,000 it might become a necessity.

Mayor Bob Lenox said if that was the criteria "we'll never get there."

Council took no action on the report but Councilman Steve Rapson said he appreciated Weed's objectivity on the report.

Weed, who has announced his candidacy for a seat on the City Council, volunteered to conduct the report after Councilman Dan Tennant questioned the city's increasing legal bills and whether an in-house attorney would be more cost efficient.

Weed has previously served as the in-house county attorney for Lowndes County. Currently as a senior associate with the Fincher and Hecht law firm he also represents several municipalities.

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