Sandy Springs approves city attorney’s contract

Sandy Springs has approved a new contract with its city attorney, providing for basic legal services for $33,000 a month, plus a $150-an-hour fee for work on lawsuits.

The annual fee will cover services, including legal advice for city officials and work on city ordinances and contracts.

The city attorney also will coordinate legal matters being handled by the city’s insurers. Work that falls under the hourly rate would include cases filed in state or superior court against the city, or acquisition of certain properties.

Land purchased through the use of condemnation, or as a right of way or easement, will fall under the annual contract.

The new agreement, approved by the City Council Tuesday, also provides for the appointment of an assistant city attorney.

Cecil McLendon with the law firm Riley, Lewis and McLendon was appointed as assistant city attorney.

He will report to City Attorney Wendell Willard.