Scofield council approves $4,000 retainer for prosecuting attorney to enforce ordinances

Scofield Town Council voted Dec. 8 to hire a prosecuting attorney for municipal ordinance enforcement with a $4,000 annual retainer and an hourly draw of $250.

Chair reported that county prosecuting resources were not available and described recommended counsel Kevin Daniels of Sanpete County, who works with multiple small municipalities and offers a lump-sum retainer from which hourly fees would be drawn. The chair said Daniels would not charge for quick calls, texts or emails but would require a $4,000 retainer for more substantive work; the retainer can roll over year to year and is refundable if unused.

Council members said enforcement of ordinances had been a recurring community concern and supported moving to a retained prosecuting attorney rather than pursuing costly county or litigation routes. The council asked that the town’s existing attorney, Mark Tanner, review any contract before it is finalized.

Next steps: staff will request a draft contract from the recommended attorney and forward it to the town’s attorney for review before executing a retainer.