City Attorney

The City Attorney’s Office provides professional legal services, advice, and consultation to the City Council, City Manager, and the various city departments, boards, and commissions to support the policy and business objectives of the City, to ensure those policies and objectives are properly implemented in accordance with the law, and to enforce and prosecute violations of state and local laws and regulations.

Mission

To provide the highest quality legal services in an ethical and professional manner, and to advise, advocate, and act with commitment and dedication to the best interests of the City and its citizens.

 Ongoing Functions

  • Provide comprehensive legal and strategic advice to the City Manager and city departments on all areas of city operations.
  • Commence, prosecute, and defend all suits and actions on behalf of the City at court hearings and administrative proceedings. 
  • Prosecute violations of state and local laws in the Centralia Municipal Court.
  • Prepare all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, policies, deeds, easements, and other legal documents.
  • Collaborate with the City Clerk on public record requests and records retention.
  • Attend meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, and other city boards and commissions and provide advice and opinions on legal matters and parliamentary procedure.
  • Correspond and coordinate with outside legal counsel on liability claims, bond issuances, and other specialized legal areas and monitor ongoing litigation.
  • Lead collective bargaining negotiations and assist the Human Resources Department with employee discipline, grievances, ADA accommodations, personnel policies, and other labor relations.
  • Perform legal research and provide opinions on federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations and the impact of court decisions.
  • Participate in the City’s short- and long-range planning to assure proper consideration of legal issues.
  • Ensure city compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations and create policies, procedures, and workflow processes as necessary.