Worth County supervisors amend agenda to discuss hiring outside counsel for settlement and drainage easement

Speaker 3, a board member, proposed amending the agenda to add "discussion possible action on outside counsel for a settlement and development agreement, road and drainage easement, and maintenance agreement," saying the agreement had been rewritten multiple times and needed an independent legal review. Speaker 1 moved to amend the agenda and Speaker 4 seconded; the board approved the amendment by voice vote.

The group debated whether taking action immediately would violate a 24-hour notice rule. Speaker 2 said, "You're not supposed to act on something that they don't have 24 hours notice." Members agreed they could hold a discussion now and seek counsel recommendations for quick action next week if appropriate. Speaker 3 told colleagues he was "either in or I'm out" on further negotiation without outside counsel, explaining, "I need outside counsel because I'm not a lawyer and she's not a lawyer."

Several members suggested referral sources for counsel with drainage or contract expertise. Speaker 2 recommended contacting ISAC or the Iowa Drainage Association; Speaker 4 said he would speak with Mike Gilliland about potential referrals. The board did not identify or hire a specific attorney at the meeting; members agreed to seek recommendations and, if one is found quickly, to consider a special action next week.

The amendment and related vote were procedural approvals only; no contract, firm name, fee amount, or authorization to retain counsel was finalized at the meeting. The board scheduled follow-up to assess suggested candidates and determine whether to authorize a retention or to postpone action until a regular meeting.