City attorney resigns

City attorney resigns



From Staff Reports
Publication Date: 10/14/06


Jim Wilson, St. Augustine's first full-time city attorney, has resigned to pursue the private practice of law.

Wilson tendered his resignation on Thursday, according to City Manager Bill Harriss.

Wilson was city attorney for 12 years. Harriss said Friday that Wilson has agreed to be available to the city for consulting work through Jan. 31.

"He's been talking about it, but he did not give me a letter till Thursday," Harriss said. "Jim is one of the best governmental attorneys I've seen. It's a shame. We are going to miss him."

Because the city attorney is hired by the City Commission, Harriss said he asked for a special meeting on Friday so the commission could act and determine the next step.

The commission met and directed Harriss to contact the firm of Dobson and Brown to be the interim city attorney until a search can be conducted for a successor.

Geoffrey Dobson was the city's attorney as part of his private practice for years prior to Wilson being hired. Dobson and his partner, Ron Brown, already do contract legal work for the city when needed, Harriss said.

He said he talked with Brown and asked him for a letter of engagement so that the commission can act on it at its Oct. 23 meeting.

The interim city attorney will be in charge of the office, and Robin Upchurch, assistant city attorney, will run the day-to-day operations, Harriss said.

Under the city's organizational structure, the city attorney reports directly to the City Commission while the assistant city attorney reports to Harriss.

He said that's because the commission has to be able to direct the city attorney in legal matters regarding the city commission's actions.

No timetable has been set for a search for Wilson's successor, Harriss said.

Wilson could not be reached for comment.


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