Clearwater council chooses Owen Kohler as next city attorney after finalist interviews

Clearwater City Council on July 16 agreed to offer the permanent city attorney position to interim City Attorney Owen Kohler following deliberations about four finalists.

Council members praised the finalist pool and said each candidate brought strong legal credentials. Several members said they valued institutional knowledge and continuity: Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton and others noted Kohler’s performance while serving as interim on high‑profile matters, including petition processes and major contracts, and said that experience gave them confidence in his ability to advise the council on day‑one legal issues.

Council Member David Albritton and others commended the thorough recruitment process and said the finalists were all capable. “Each applicant had strengths and personalities that would work very well as our city attorney,” Albritton said. But when measured against the council’s priorities — sound judgment, clear communication, the ability to remain composed under pressure, and familiarity with Clearwater’s institutional dynamics — several members said Kohler best matched the current needs of the city.

With consensus to offer Kohler the post, the council directed HR to negotiate terms and to use outside counsel to draft the employment agreement. The motion to proceed passed unanimously.

What happens next: HR will work with outside counsel and Kohler to finalize a written agreement and terms of employment before a formal appointment is announced.