In a recent government meeting, the city commissioners approved a significant transition plan for legal services, appointing James T. Plunkett as interim general counsel starting August 16, 2024. The decision followed a closed executive session where the commissioners discussed the transition timeline for the outgoing legal counsel, Attorney Brown.

Initially set for a two-week transition period, Commissioner Lewis proposed extending this timeframe to four weeks to ensure a smoother handover and to avoid any potential pitfalls during the transition. This suggestion sparked a debate among the commissioners, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of prior discussion regarding the change in the transition period.

Attorney Brown clarified that while the original plan was for a two-week transition, he supported the extension if it was the consensus of the body. After further deliberation, the commissioners agreed to the substitute motion, extending the transition period to four weeks, which will now conclude on September 13, 2024.

The motion passed with a vote of 6-2, with Commissioners McKnight and the Mayor voting against it. Following the legal service discussion, the meeting transitioned into a work session focused on land bank initiatives, indicating a busy agenda ahead for the city officials.