Mike Wolanin | The Republic An exterior view of the Bartholomew County Governmental Offices building in Columbus, Ind., Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.
The Bartholomew County Commissioners have enlisted a new county attorney for the remainder of this year and 2025.
Commissioners on Monday approved an agreement for legal services with James Shoaf to serve as the county executive’s representation, replacing Grant Tucker who is retiring at the end of this month.
Tucker had been the county attorney for more than 30 years, according to Commissioner Carl Lienhoop.
“He served us well, but wants to go fishing more,” Lienhoop said.
The agreement outlines fees for 2024 at $6,198 per month and $6,384 per month in 2025. In addition, both parties can terminate the agreement with 30-day notice.
Shoaf would be considered a contract employee and will receive no benefits, per Lienhoop.
Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz referred to Tucker as a personal friend and thanked him for his years of counsel.
“He has saved the taxpayers of this county money, when compared with other counties that have paid for various lawsuits and what-not— we have avoided those much because of Grant’s advice and practice,” Kleinhenz said. “Grant’s a very private individual so I think maybe we won’t see the big fanfare that some people like to have, but I thank him, and I know we as a board thank him tremendously.”
Lienhoop pointed out that there were over 120 attorneys practicing law in Columbus and Bartholomew County over two decades ago and that is now down to 35.
“That to me almost is a little mind-boggling,” per Lienhoop.
