MIDDLETOWN – The City of Middletown converted from a full-time corporation counsel to a part-time post a decade ago, but Mayor Joseph DeStefano believes the time is right to go back to the former structure.
The city is spending over $250,000 per year in outside lawyers, primarily
for labor negotiations and grievances, and the mayor believes going back
to a full-time position will cut those costs.
“I believe that we can probably pay for the corporation counsel’s office with savings over the next few years and that $250,000 number will come substantially based on going back to a full-time corporation counsel,” the mayor said.
DeStefano said if the common council approves his plan, he will convert part-time corporation counsel Richard Guertin to full-time.
