Town Council Meeting on 7/6/2026 another contentious debate regarding the selection of legal counsel and the formal bidding process. Councilor Bouchard and Deb Paul argue that the Town Chairman bypassed legal protocols and town charter provisions by hiring a firm that did not participate in the official request for proposals. Critics emphasize that the chosen firm lacks specific municipal law experience and charges significantly higher hourly rates than other qualified candidates. Concerns were also raised about transparency, as some counselors felt excluded from the decision-making process and questioned the legality of retroactive payments for unauthorized services. Despite these objections, the council ultimately voted to approve engagement letters for both the existing firm and the new, controversial firm with a 3-2 vote. Council Faber’s motion to approve the new firm was made retroactive to 6/15/2026. The discussion highlights a deep divide over fiduciary responsibility, adherence to local governance rules, and the professional qualifications required to represent the town.
Related Posts:
Editorial: Londonderry Laughs, Council Needs Counceling
Fiscal Accountability and Municipal Legal Expenditures
Video: Fiscal Stewardship and Regulating Access to Legal Counsel