Polson hires new city attorney

The Polson City Commission approved the hiring of David Michie as new city attorney during its regular meeting Monday night.

Michie has a private practice based in Columbia Falls, where he has been practicing in the state of California remotely the past few years. He is applying for admittance to the Montana Bar via the ‘on motion’ procedure.

The Commission approved the hiring during its previous meeting, but on Monday members approved the employment contract, which includes an annual salary of $76,500 with benefits.

Michie previously told the Commission that he intends to work from City Hall as much as possible and will be closing his private practice for the most part. He does some work with special clients in patent law and would like to continue that work.

“I felt like his background is very relevant to what we need as a city attorney,” City Manager Ed Meece said prior to Monday’s vote. Michie’s contract was approved unanimously, with all members present.

Michie’s contract is for two years, which is spelled out in the city’s charter. He replaces former city attorney Clint Fisher, who resigned his position with the city early last year.

Michie will serve both as the city’s lead attorney and as its prosecutor. Those roles previously were carried out on a contract basis, but Michie’s hiring is part of an effort to consolidate the roles into a single, in-house position.

Skyler Bagley has served both roles on a contract basis since Fisher’s departure. His services will be phased out as Michie settles into the new job.

Meece said several local attorneys were considered during the search, but they all withdrew eventually.

Meece also announced other staff changes during Monday’s meeting. The city’s finance director, Cindy Dooley, has announced that she will retire on July 1. Dooley has served in her current role for about a decade. Meece said job postings for Dooley’s position will go out next week.

Also, Meece said Juan Escano, the city’s planner and community development director, resigned his position last week. Escano was hired last spring. Meece said he will serve as community development director until Escano is replaced.