PORTLAND – The city’s mayor said Monday night that he will not hire an outside consulting firm to assist the city with its search for a new city attorney.

Having the city’s Human Resources Department do the search could save the city $20,000 to $30,000 in consulting fees, Mayor Michael Brennan said.

Gary Wood announced last month that he will retire as the city’s corporation counsel on Sept. 14. The corporation counsel represents the city in legal matters. Wood has held that position for 21 years.

Brennan met with members of the City Council during a workshop in City Hall to discuss finding a replacement for Wood.

The majority of councilors felt that an advisory committee consisting of councilors and local lawyers should be formed.

Finalists likely won’t be required to belong to the Maine Bar Association as long as they are experienced in Maine and muncipal law and have passed the Maine bar exam.

“I’m less concerned about their admission to the Maine bar and more concerned about their experience in Maine,” councilor John Anton said.

In September, the City Council will be asked to approve an interim corporation counsel.

Wood, 65, was hired as corporation counsel in 1991. His current salary is $96,600 a year.

 

— Staff Writer Dennis Hoey contributed to this report.

 

Staff Writer Randy Billings can be contacted at 791-6346 or at:

rbillings@pressherald.com