Rowan County approves engagement with Johnson Lisonbee Hoard and budgets up to $75,000 for John Rink Trust matter

Following a closed session, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 approved an engagement letter with Johnson Lisonbee Hoard law firm regarding the John Rink Trust and approved a budget amendment to appropriate available fund balance for attorney fees up to $75,000.

Unidentified Speaker 1 moved to approve the engagement letter and the corresponding budget amendment; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript records the motion wording: "I'd like to make a motion that we approve an engagement letter with Johnson Lisonbee Hoard law firm, regarding, the John Rink Trust and would also like, same time to make a motion that we approve a budget amendment appropriate, available fund balance for attorney fees up to no more than $75,000." The board recorded the vote as in favor with no opposed recorded.

The meeting earlier announced a closed session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(1) and related provisions for attorney consultation; the board considered closed-session minutes and consulted with counsel as permitted by statute.

What this means: The county has authorized outside counsel and set aside up to $75,000 from available fund balance for attorney fees related to the John Rink Trust matter. The transcript does not provide further detail about the case or projected timeline.

Next steps: The county will execute the engagement and track attorney expenses against the approved appropriation; staff or counsel may report back to the board consistent with applicable confidentiality and statutory limits.