Springer stays on as city’s legal adviser

The city of Covington has found a win-win situation for its legal representation.

The city of Covington has found a win-win situation for its legal representation.

Sara Springer has been the city attorney since 2006 as a member of Issaquah-based law firm Kenyon Disend.

Springer spoke with Covington City Manager Derek Matheson a few months ago to let him know she was leaving the firm.

Matheson said he was hoping to continue the great working relationship the city has had with Springer.

“Sara has been a nice fit for our organization, very knowledgeable,” Matheson said. “So, just as a brain storm, I said, ‘Would you be willing to continue to serve us as a sole proprietor?’”

Springer agreed to go out on her own and continue to serve as Covington’s city attorney.

“She offered us a really great deal,” Matheson said.

Previously, Kenyon Disend charged $5,500 for 30 hours of Springer’s time each month.

Springer offered 35 hours a month for $500 less.

Covington is not completely cutting ties with Kenyon Disend, Matheson said, and staff is negotiating with the firm to provide on-call services as well as assistance with litigation or special projects which may require more resources.

“So, on a day to day basis nothing changes … and in unusual cases nothing changes because we pay separately,” Matheson said.