Bluffton council switched solicitor’s on Monday.
The contract for Stephen Chamberlain, which expires on Dec. 31, was not renewed. Chamberlain of Lima, worked as village solicitor for over 10 years. No reason was given by council for the change on Monday.
Council hired the firm of Hackenberg, Beutler, Rasmussen and Feighner, a Findlay law firm, with attorney Elliott T. Werth as the village solicitor. Voting in favor of the new hire were Jerry Cupples, Joe Sehlhorst, David Steiner and Phill Talavinia. Ben Stahl voted no. Mitch Kingsley abstained.
The contract is for one year, effective Jan. 1, 2019. The retainer is $1,000 a month. The contract states the solicitor will attend all regular and special meetings of council, and any other meetings or committee and board meetings when requested.
According to its website, Werth, an associate in the firm, is a 2014 law graduate of the University of Toledo. Since 2015 he has served as assistant director of law for the City of Findlay. He is also a member of Findlay Young Professionals.
The website states that the firm also represents the villages of Benton Ridge, Van Buren and McComb for its solicitor services.
Bluffton council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, Jan. 14. At that time Werth is expected to be sworn in.
