Legal research cost Town $6,349

The Kenyon Disend law firm charged $5,861 to the Town of La Conner for 25.1 hours of work in September assessing the 1986 contract rezone agreement for the 306 Center Street property.

Almost all the hours, 24.9, were Sept. 1-8. The firm sent their memo to Town Administrator Scott Thomas Sept. 8. Thomas reported the findings at the Sept. 13 council meeting.

Over half the hours were spent on legal research on contract rezones and a 1972 court case, Durocher v. King County. Staff examined if the Town’s 1986 agreement was a legislative act and if it was effective upon adoption.

No hours were billed after Sept. 13.

The total costs, including related expenses and the $481.50 billed in August, were $6,348.55.

All numbers are from the firm’s invoice to the Town obtained from a public records request.