With advertisements posted on multiple Web sites and in varying publications, Whitefish’s search for a new city attorney is well underway.
Last summer, City Attorney John Phelps told city officials of his plans to retire after 15 years on the job. He has practiced law for 32 years. His last day is June 30, though City Manager Chuck Stearns said Phelps has offered to stay on longer to help the new city attorney transition into the job.
Phelps said he announced his retirement early to give the city time to search for a replacement. In an interview in November, Phelps cited “all of the good reasons that everybody would like to retire,” including more time for family, hiking and traveling.
“It’s been a wonderful job and it’s a wonderful city,” Phelps said.
City council gave Stearns the green light to advertise the position at a public meeting on Feb. 16. As of March 4, the city had received four applications, Stearns said, all from out of state. The deadline for applications is April 2 at 5 p.m.
To get the job, an applicant must be licensed to practice law in the state of Montana. Municipal experience is preferred, but not required. The position’s salary is advertised as $70,000-$95,000 annually, plus a benefits package. Phelps’ current salary is a little over $99,000, Stearns said.
The city attorney is answerable to the Whitefish City Council and mayor, and works under the general administrative direction of Stearns. The position also has an assistant. Keni Hopkins is the current assistant.
The job description calls for a variety of responsibilities, but the most general is to provide legal and litigation advice on civil matters to the council, mayor, city manager and city departments. The city attorney attends all council meetings and answers legal questions that arise.
Occasionally, outside counsel is hired to handle certain civil matters. The city attorney never deals with criminal law matters. Also, city attorneys prepare ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other documents.
Stearns said the city has advertised the job in the Whitefish Pilot, a publication dedicated to public sector employment, the March edition of Montana Lawyer and a few Web sites related to government and legal jobs.
The council has requested a team of three outside attorneys to review the applicants later in the application process. Kalispell City Attorney Charlie Harball, former Whitefish City Attorney Tom Muri and Flathead County Deputy Attorney Jonathan Smith were asked. As of last week, Stearns knew that Harball and Muri had agreed, but wasn’t sure about Smith.
Application information and a detailed job description are available at the city of Whitefish’s Web site at www.whitefish.govoffice.com under “Employment Opportunities” or by writing to P.O. Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937. Interested applicants can also call (406) 863-2406 for more information.
The city asks for application letters and resumes to be sent to Stearns at P.O. Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937-0158 or by e-mail to [email protected].