RUTLAND, Vt. — Officials in Rutland, Vermont, are asking for a tenfold increase in funding for outside legal counsel because they say the city attorney is overworked.

A proposed budget being reviewed by the Board of Alderman calls for $85,000 for legal services, up from $8,000 in the current budget.

The Rutland Herald reported that Mayor David Allaire and City Attorney Matt Bloomer defended the proposal Thursday.

Bloomer said he is working more than 50 hours a week despite being paid for 37 1/2. He says hiring outside counsel would provide more flexibility than hiring another staff member, a move which the previous city attorney had sought.

Alderman Chris Ettori said the board knows the office needs more help, but they are still debating the proper funding level.