Richwood Village Council agreed to release Alison Boggs from her duties as village solicitor so she can focus on the work of her private practice and hire Julie Spain to fill the role during its meeting on Monday.
Boggs stated at an August council meeting that she was notified by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office about an opinion, which applies to her position with the village while maintaining a private practice.
She said she cannot take any criminal cases for the village.
“The attorney general’s opinion was based on who are your loyalties to? So, as the village solicitor, I am prosecuting people under the state code … versus criminal, where I’m now arguing against the Ohio Revised Code,” Boggs said, adding that the opinion determines a conflict of interest.
She explained that she could still be contracted with the village for civil cases.
Although she served as solicitor for other communities, Richwood was unique in having a police department. Currently, Julie Spain prosecutes misdemeanor cases for the village in municipal court. Police Chief Monte Asher said his officers highly recommended Spain for the job as solicitor after working with her in municipal court.
The council voted unanimously, with the absence of Councilmember Von Beal, to hire Spain to fill the role following the executive session.
Spain, who was not present for the meeting, was hired immediately to serve as the civil and criminal solicitor.
“She will be paid hourly as billed for ordinary tasks with a one-year contract, which we would reevaluate of course at the end of that year,” Councilmember Reddy Brown said.
Upon Boggs’ request, the council will investigate how to preserve her emails and village related files for public record.
In other news:
– According to the 2020 census, the village’s population is 2,222.
– Following a string of car break-ins that were reported on Oct. 4, Asher reminded the public to lock their vehicles.
– Asher is seeking quotes for a skid steer for the village.
– Drug Take Back will be held on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– The second annual Haunted Lake Trail at Richwood Park will take place on Oct. 29 from 8-11 p.m.