09/02/2026
Press Release: Clarification on Legal Fees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2026
Town Council Provides Clarification on Legal Fees
Summerfield, NC – The Summerfield Town Council recognizes that residents have questions and concerns about the Town's legal expenses. The Council is providing this statement to clarify the types of work for which the Town engages legal counsel and the role those attorneys play in protecting the Town and its residents.
The Council is also aware that specific legal expense figures have been publicly attributed solely to the Whitaker-Hall litigation. Those figures do not accurately reflect the cost of any single legal matter.
As described below, the Town's legal expenditures cover a wide range of services spanning multiple categories and multiple matters. Any representation that the Town's total legal budget has been spent on one lawsuit is inaccurate and misleading.
Like other municipalities, the Town relies on attorneys for more than litigation. Legal counsel provides advice to elected officials and staff, helps the Town comply with state and federal laws, reviews contracts and other legal documents, and assists with complex projects and matters that carry legal or financial implications for the Town.
In addition to general legal advice to the Town Council and staff, attorneys provide support in the following areas:
Capital Projects and Acquisitions – Legal services related to major Town initiatives and property matters, including the A&Y Trail, annexations, Bandera Farms Park, and future water projects.
Finance and Contracts – Review, preparation, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, financial documents, and other matters involving the Town's financial obligations and interests.
Litigation – Legal representation in lawsuits and other legal proceedings. This category also includes the defense of claims brought against the Town, its staff, and Council members in lawsuits initiated by outside parties — costs that the Town does not control but is obligated to bear.
Planning and Development – Legal support for the Planning Department, Planning Board, and Board of Adjustment, including assistance with matters involving land use, development regulations, and statutory requirements.
Public Records Requests – Legal review of records when necessary to determine what information may or must be released under North Carolina public records law, including the review and redaction of documents before they are provided to the public.
Changes in State Law – Review and guidance related to new legislation and changes to North Carolina law that affect the Town, its operations, and its responsibilities to the community.
The Council understands that legal expenses are a significant concern for taxpayers and is committed to being a responsible steward of public funds. Council members are actively working to complete important Town projects, resolve outstanding legal matters, and identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary legal costs while ensuring that the Town meets its legal obligations and protects the interests of the community.
The Town Council appreciates residents' interest in how public funds are used and remains committed to providing clear and accurate information about Town expenditures.
