Bella Vista Hires New Attorneys
Posted: November 8, 2009 at 1:43 a.m.
BELLA VISTA — The city will soon have a new lawyer — several of them.
City Attorney Jason Kelley submitted his resignation last month. As of Wednesday, the City Council approved entering into a contract with Williams and Hutchinson, LLP, a firm based in Rogers,
The City Council unanimously approved hiring the firm after a brief discussion. Alderman Doug Farner was absent.
Kelley resigned effective Friday.
“I’m hoping they’ll start Monday,” Mayor Frank Anderson said.
The duties of the City Attorney will now be split between three attorneys.
Timothy Hutchinson will be the primary contact for the Bella Vista Police Department. He will handle prosecutions, approve warrants and assist the department in criminal investigations. Hutchinson also will be available for human resource issues.
Bryan Vernetti, a resident of Bella Vista, will attend City Council meetings and draft proposed ordinances and resolutions.
Vernetti works with the Architectural Control Committee enforcing covenants and coordinating with the Property Owners Association. Upon signing the contract, Anderson said Vernetti will terminate that relationship.
Ronald Williams, a partner in the firm, will be responsible for contract review.
The contract between the city and Williams and Hutchinson is for a 14-month period at $4,500 per month. There is no minimum or maximum number of hours and this will cover everything except costs associated with litigation.
The only pending matter for the city is a lawsuit with Benton County concerning street funds, with the city as the plaintiff.
Any matter in which the city would be a defendant would be handled through the Arkansas Municipal League, Anderson said.
Anderson said he considered five individuals and one other firm before making the recommendation.
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