After six months without a city solicitor, Rehoboth Beach officials have wrapped up and approved hiring an in-house attorney, known as the city solicitor position that has been vacant, at an annual salary of $200,000.
The city commissioners made the decision during an April 17th council meeting, following a review of a straightforward contract vetted by the interim city solicitor.
Contract Details and Timeline
According to City Manager Taylour Tedder, the new attorney will begin work Tuesday, May 27th, with a hybrid schedule allowing eight to ten in-office days each month.
The role includes the same benefits package available to all city employees.
Why an In-House Solicitor?
Mayor Stan Mills said having an in-house attorney offers faster response times and better prioritization of city matters.
The previous solicitor, Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, stepped away from the role in October after nearly 20 years of service.
The city interviewed three candidates in total, two for in-house positions and one for a contracted role, before selecting the current choice.
It’s still uncertain whether switching between in-house and contracted solicitors will actually save the city money. The general expectation is that the impact on the budget will be neutral.
Financial Considerations
- FY2025 legal spending was around $850,000
- New solicitor expected to cost approximately $250,000 annually (salary + benefits)
- Potential savings of about $175,000, barring unforeseen expenses
Commissioner Craig Thier noted that $425,000 of the prior legal budget went to services for city commissioners, with the remaining portion covering the planning commission and board of adjustment.
Contract Negotiation and Council Debate
Commissioner Suzanne Goode expressed concern over the $200,000 salary, citing her own research showing similar positions in like-sized cities average closer to $135,000.
Goode also pushed for the new solicitor to serve the planning commission, as that had been standard in previous years for this position.
Three of Goode’s motions to alter the contract, including reducing the salary and increasing in-office days, were rejected. One narrowly failed in a 4-3 vote.
Tedder explained the inclusion of a six-month salary review was negotiated to accommodate the candidate, who had initially requested more than $200,000.
Public Concerns and City Response
Some residents voiced skepticism.
Attorney Tom Gaynor criticized the city’s lack of transparency around the hire, suggesting the anonymity could indicate underqualification.
Walter Brittingham questioned future hidden costs, such as needing an assistant or a vehicle.
The city has not yet revealed the solicitor’s name but plans to make an official announcement soon.
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Source: Cape Gazette