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Council votes to pay controversial law firm bill
(by Sandi Latimer - August 18, 2010)
West Jefferson Council voted Aug. 16 to pay a controversial bill for services from a legal firm that did work in an attempt to obtain stimulus funds for the village.
The bill surfaced in allegations against Mayor Scott Hockenbery who is facing a recall vote on Sept. 14.
Hockenbery had worked with Kegler Brown Hill and Ritter on a grant application for work in the area around State Route 29 and I-70. The contract with the law firm was for $12,000, surpassing the $10,000 limit that can be spent without council approval.
Records showed that $6,700 of the bill was paid in 2009, even though the village did not win any stimulus funds.
Council President Darlene Steele said Law Director Ron Parsons negotiated with the firm and lowered the contract fee to $10,000, with the balance yet to be paid.
Negotiating it down prevented a lawsuit, Steele told council members at the Aug. 16 meeting.
“The firm is well thought of in the development world,” she added, “and they want to continue to work with us.”
Councilwoman Sheila Nelson was skeptical at first about paying the bill, saying she wanted Parsons to address council on the work he had been doing for the village in this area.
On the other hand, Councilman Ron Garver was concerned about waiting to pay the bill.
“If we wait, would they sue us?” he asked.
“I’m not in favor of paying it now,” said Councilman Jim King, who along with Cory Coburn, cast the two negative votes.
Hockenbery was not present for the meeting.
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