BOC chairman targets county attorney

In a move that politically backfired Tuesday night, Barrow County Board of Commissioners chairman Danny Yearwood in mid-June privately took steps to try to replace longtime county attorney Angela Davis.

On June 16, without the knowledge of the rest of the board, Yearwood directed the county’s Human Resources staff to ask a consultant to create job descriptions for an in-house attorney and paralegal for a new county Legal Department.

Yearwood also contacted surrounding local governments to find out what they spend on legal services. Then he placed the matter on the agenda for discussion Tuesday night.

But the chairman’s actions lit a fire under some of the commissioners, who didn’t learn about what he had in mind until late last week when they opened their packets for Tuesday night’s meeting.

District 1 Commissioner Larry Joe Wilburn was particularly surprised, since he was listed on the agenda as the person who would present the item listed as “County attorney & paralegal job descriptions.”

Wilburn in mid June recommended that the county consider hiring an attorney to fill the vacant human resources director’s position, but he said he was not recommending a fully staffed legal department.

“I want it pulled from the agenda,” Wilburn said. “That was not my recommendation. My recommendation was an HR lawyer, not a county attorney staff.”

Comments

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#1 Anonymous on 07/14/11 at 07:27 AM [Reply]

Another example of WHY we NEED a PROFESSIONAL county manager.

#2 DuWayne R. Anderson on 07/14/11 at 07:57 AM [Reply]

If Yearwood wants a new attorney to represent the county, then he should just be honest and say that. There is no need to resort to "I SPY" tactics. Sounds like this action is motivated in trying to save dollars for the county in attorneys fees, which are very high.
Commissioner Hendricks was correct for issuing a challenge during the meeting. Just another example of why the Charter Committee came up with the conclusions that they did concerning the chairman's role in county government.
DuWayne

#2.1 Jack Legg on 07/14/11 at 08:34 AM [Reply]

I agree with you Duwayne...( I know right?),but even a blind hog will find an acorn every now and again.
I think we do need a new county attorney,this one charges too much and has not given very good advice to our learned chairman, but there is a right way to go about getting one and this aint it.
A better move for the people of the county would have been for Dunbwood to do some research on how much his resignation would save the county between now and 2012,and present that for a vote.

#2.1.1 Anonymous on 07/14/11 at 03:58 PM [Reply]

Good Ole Angie was (is) interested in one thing and one thing only. MONEY.

But in her defense, the BOC and Yearwood have given her a signed blank check.

There are(were) lawsuits against the BOC and county that never should have gotten that far. Did you honestly expect her to say - settle, negotiate, work it out, etc... when she could rack up the bills? Billable hours that's all we are to her.

And Yearwood and the commissioners with their arrogant ways, - their we'll do what we want, when we want and how we want attitude just added money to her coffers.

#2.2 Good Ole Boy on 07/19/11 at 08:34 AM [Reply]

DOOOOOOWAYNE

Shouldnt you get a job. You are already living off the people.

#3 Anonymous on 07/14/11 at 08:37 AM [Reply]

The Courts are for the arrogant and the foolish, We have both in the chairman and the county's BOC. You can save money on legal fees by not spending taxes to harass employees, citizens and small business to promote your own petty private agendas. Barrow this is your money... well it was... until the I'll spent it on what ever I want crowd at the BOC got it

#4 Manager, PLEASE on 07/14/11 at 03:55 PM [Reply]

We so need a County Manager. Yearwood is way out of his league!!

#5 Phil on 07/14/11 at 07:10 PM [Reply]

Danny whether you agree with the County Manger style of government or not … your days are numbered. They are numbered by your own hand and your own doings. Your stupid ideas and your stupid mouth have insured you are NOT re-electable. It all lies in your lap.

#6 hey, wait a minute on 07/14/11 at 10:03 PM [Reply]

In this case, I am defending the chairman. (Never thought I'd say that...) The $250,000+ the county paid in attorney's fees this past year is ridiculous! My bet is that Danny was just trying to save the county some $ by coming up with an attorney who had a set wage - not a blank check. The current county attorney does not impress me, but she sho' 'nuf is getting rich off the county.

#6.1 Anonymous on 07/16/11 at 05:03 PM [Reply]

Yea, but he GAVE HER THE BLANK CHECK

#6.2 mark my words on 07/19/11 at 07:46 AM [Reply]

I'm with you hay, wait a minute.

I would suspect an inhouse atty would offer cost savings...lots!

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BOC chairman targets county attorney

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BOC chairman targets county attorney

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