Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Wyoming City Attorney Tom Miller has submitted a letter of resignation from his position to the Wyoming City Council.

City Administrator Craig Mattson confirmed the Miller resignation on Jan. 30. Council members were informed about Miller's intent in Mattson's weekly memo to them.

Both cited differences in philosophy.

Miller Law Office of Wyoming has provided legal advice to the city for more than 12 years. There have been many changes on the council, in committees, and professional services recently, which may be signaling a new direction for the city.

In the letter, Miller said one impression is that the council wishes to set up its own people, have its "own crew in place."

Mattson said that differences in points of view about billing practices may have led to Miller's decision to submit a letter of resignation. Typically Miller bills by the hour.

Mattson said he prefers to do things on retainer, which does make it easier to budget for legal service.

The difference is similar to having certain work done by someone who is paid a salary, contrasted with someone who is paid an hourly rate or piece work, which has been the practice for some time in Wyoming.

Mattson said among his responsibilities to the city is to keep costs downs for the city and to "maintain accountability of costs."

In his letter to the council, Miller said he has had a good experience working as legal counsel for the city and has offered to continue to provide legal advice until another attorney or legal firm is selected by the council.

He will also help make the transition smooth for the new city attorney, he wrote.

Discussion of Miller's letter of resignation and a decision about it was on the agenda of the Wyoming City Council meeting on Tuesday night of this week.

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