Who can the Board of Supervisors employ for legal matters instead of using county council?

The Board of Supervisors has the authority to employ special counsel for legal matters instead of relying solely on the county council. Special counsel is typically brought in for specific cases or situations where there may be a conflict of interest with the county attorney, or where specialized knowledge is required. This option allows the Board to seek expertise and resources that may not be available in-house, ensuring that complex legal issues are handled effectively. Special counsel can provide a fresh perspective and dedicated focus on particular matters, which can be critical in navigating legal challenges faced by the Board.

While other options can play significant roles in the broader legal framework, such as the county attorney and private law firms providing legal services, the specific context of seeking additional expertise or conflict resolution illustrates why special counsel is the preferred choice in this scenario. Public defenders serve a distinct function related to criminal defense and do not typically engage in matters pertaining to the Board of Supervisors or county governance in a legal advisory capacity.