Council sets interim city attorney salary amid public questions about hiring process

The Grand Junction City Council voted unanimously to set the interim city attorney salary and affirmed a transition plan following the retirement of longtime City Attorney John Shaver.

City Manager Michael Bennett briefed the council on the transition, noting that the assistant city attorney had been recruited and promoted earlier in 2025 so the organization would be able to nominate an interim from existing staff. Bennett described the interim appointment process and said the draft interim agreement and resolutions were prepared by outgoing City Attorney John Shaver before his departure.

The public hearing drew vocal public comment. One commenter, who identified himself in the record, alleged potential violations of Colorado’s Open Meetings law and urged the council to seek outside legal advice. He said, "I'm firmly convinced that you violated the law." The mayor and Mayor Pro Tem defended the timing and procedure for an interim appointment and emphasized that an interim is not a permanent appointment. Mayor Pro Tem Lutz said the interim appointment "allows us the opportunity to do this in the right way" and that it does not equate to a permanent selection.

Council discussed next steps for the permanent hiring process, including options to pursue a recruitment firm or use HR, and agreed to place a process discussion on a future workshop or meeting. After public comment and discussion, a motion to adopt the ordinance setting the interim city attorney salary was moved and seconded; the council approved the ordinance on final passage by a 7-0 vote.

Councilmembers and staff said the public process for hiring a permanent city attorney will be considered openly, with the potential for executive-session discussion of personnel components as allowed by state law.