Commission to seek local board attorney

After a brief discussion Monday, the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners agreed to seek a local attorney to represent the board. Ed Woltz of Mount Airy is currently representing the board, at a cost of $125 per hour. Woltz has attended only a few meetings since becoming the board’s attorney, but instead has been accessible by phone to the county. Former local attorneys, including Bynum Marshal and Richard Doughton, were present at almost every meeting.

“I believe Ed has done a good job for us,” said Commission Chair Eldon Edwards.

However, Commissioner Ken Richardson, who acting as a commissioner at his first official meeting since being elected Nov. 2, urged the board to seek a local attorney. Agreeing with him was Commissioner Graylen Blevins, who had brought up the idea last year, but couldn’t find the support for the move. In the past, local attorneys haven’t shown an interest in the job, said County Manager Don Adams.

“We should try again to see if anyone’s interested to be the attorney.... I would much prefer to have someone from Alleghany County to be our attorney,” Richardson said.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Sandy Herndon said, “I’m a very big advocate of doing business locally, so I don’t see what it could hurt” to ask local attorneys if they are interested.

Adams noted that he would enquire with qualified local attorneys, stating, “I will bring back what I find out.” He pointed out the lack of interest the last time the board looked. Only two attorneys were interviewed by the board at that time, both from other counties.

“I have no problem with hiring someone local,” Taylor said. “The only reservation I have, is if an attorney is not accustomed to doing this kind of work, the hourly rate could eat us up.” Taylor said an attorney not experienced in local government issues would take longer to look up information and laws, thus costing more money.

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