Last week Gadsden commissioners fired the county’s attorney, effectively immediately.
During the Sept. 3, meeting the board voted in favor of giving the legal services contract to Thornton Williams Law Group.
Earlier that day Sept. 3, 2024, staff presented the board with a summary tally sheet of the evaluations. During the meeting, the board voted to approve the posting of the Notice of Intent to Award the legal services contract to Thornton Williams Law Group, which initiated a 72-hour period for any potential protest.
Commissioner Eric Hinson and Commissioner Alonzetta Simpkins both said they were not a part of the evaluation process and did not have enough time to review the information. Both commissioners said they were under the impression each of the law firms that applied would present to the board before the board voted.
Nonetheless, the board voted 3-2 to award the contract to Thornton Williams Law Group, with Commissioners Brenda Holt, Ronterious Green, and Kimblin NeSmith voting in favor of it.
During the Sept. 17 meeting, county Administrator Ed Dixon recommended terminating the contract with Pittman Law Group, effective immediately, citing “no cause” as per the terms of the contract. As stipulated in the agreement, a 30-day compensation period will be honored, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
The county administrator also recommended that Attorney Thorton Williams be appointed as interim county attorney, effective immediately.
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