Council amends mayor's chapter after debate over who may contact city attorney

The Fairfax City Council approved an amendment to chapter 15 of the city code that clarifies provisions in the mayor's chapter and addresses who may authorize or seek professional services.

Council members said the draft did not add new unilateral authority for the mayor to contact the attorney and that one councilmember believed the attorney had been given an incorrect version of the mayor's chapter. Speakers noted the revision clarifies that professional services require council approval consistent with other provisions. One councilmember said edits were drafted to match the council's intent and to be consistent with recent changes after creating a city administrator position.

During public comment, resident Barbara Connor asked why the council would not trust the mayor to contact the city attorney and expressed concern that council action would "tie her hands behind her back." Other commenters and some councilmembers said involving more people could help resolve issues locally without incurring attorney fees. A member noted that years ago the city often had the attorney attend meetings but that practice was changed to save costs when the attorney rarely participated.

The council moved to suspend additional readings and gave final approval by roll call. The transcript records aye votes on the roll call and no recorded no votes. The ordinance was approved and council scheduled a special meeting for Jan. 8 and the next regular meeting in mid-January for additional agenda items and upcoming budget discussions.