Republic file photo Columbus City Hall.
Officials approved five contracts with the attorneys who will be working on behalf of the city in 2025.
Alex Whitted, who as corporation counsel is the city’s chief legal adviser, told the board of public works and safety that the contract terms are the same as last year, with the addition of a 4% increase in pay.
That’s in line with raises up to 4% that council members approved for all city employees in 2025, although the agreement explicitly points out that the attorneys are independent contractors.
The legal contracts are from Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025. The five each serve on various city boards, providing legal advice on matters ranging from planning to redevelopment.
Alex Whitted, of Whitted Law LLC, is returning as corporation counsel and will be paid $77,081 for his services. That does not include services for pending or future litigation and/or appellate work, which Whitted will be compensated for at $150 an hour. He will provide services during meetings of the board of public works, as he has done this year.
The other city attorneys for next year, along with their compensation is as follows:
- Jeff Rocker, of Beck Rocker, will serve as city council attorney and be paid $62,400
- Austin Whitted, of Whitted Law LLC, will serve as city attorney and be paid $44,964
- Mary Stroh will serve as assistant city attorney and be paid $26,978
- Michael DeArmitt will serve as assistant city attorney and be paid $38,540
Austin Whitted will be responsible for plan commision, the city board of zoning appeals, Columbus Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and The Commons Board.
DeArmitt, for his part, will serve the parks board, parking commission and insurance review commission.
Stroh will provide counsel for the Columbus Redevelopment Commission, Columbus Animal Care Services, the community police review board, human rights commission and aviation board.
The Columbus Redevelopment Commission and aviation board have separate legal services contracts with Stroh that are paid for by the respective commission/board. Stanley Gasmo, who provides services for the Columbus Utilities (CCU) board, also has a similar separate agreement.
