Comley expected to be appointed interim city attorney

Jefferson City officials are expected to appoint an interim city attorney as they prepare for the departure of the current attorney Drew Hilpert.

Local attorney Mark Comley, who also is serving on the City Counselor Selection Committee, will be considered for the interim position at Monday's City Council meeting. City Administrator Steve Crowell said the exact hourly legal fee was not yet known but would be submitted to the council before Monday's meeting.

Crowell said Comley has previously served as interim city attorney and is familiar with the city and its process. Comley also has represented the city in the past, when the city has contracted with Newman, Comley & Ruth P.C.

When asked why the associate city attorney, Bryan Wolford, was not being considered for the interim position, Crowell said it was his understanding Wolford had been considered but an additional person seemed like a better idea with the existing workload.