Attorney role clarified: city attorney’s office to draft opinions; staff to share prior templates

The committee asked for clarity about the attorney’s role in preparing written opinions. Emma from the city attorney's office summarized the legal sources to which the committee should pay attention (charter section 42 and 24 BSA §15.35) and said the office will continue to produce formal opinions. Staff said they can share prior-year opinions and example formats to help the attorney’s office and new attorneys understand past practice.

A staff member described earlier practices where a spreadsheet draft would be edited with input from the assessor, chair, and the attorney; more recently the city moved toward having the attorney’s office issue final opinions to shorten back-and-forths and limit liability. The committee asked the attorney’s office to confirm expectations for the opinion template and for staff to circulate examples.