ARVIN, Calif. (KERO) — Arvin city officials voted to terminate the city's contract with City Attorney Nathan Hodges during Tuesday's City Council Meeting.
- Arvin City Council voted to fire City Attorney Nathan Hodges after a critical Grand Jury report.
- The report highlighted Hodges overcharged the city, billing over $400,000 annually.
- Mayor Olivia Calderon emphasized the council's lack of due diligence on the charges.
- The council's decision was 3-1, with Councilman Donny Horton opposing the termination.
- The city is now looking for a new attorney, with Hodges's last day set for April 10th.
For your convenience, the skimmable summary above is generated with the assistance of AI and fact checked by our team prior to publication. Read the full story as originally reported below.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Following a very critical report by the Kern County Grand Jury, the city council here in Arvin took action Tuesday night and FIRED its city attorney.
"This Grand Jury Report was released on Monday, February 10th," said Arvin Mayor Olivia Calderon.
Arvin city officials reviewed the report's findings and recommendations with the community during Tuesday's City Council Meeting.
"As you can all see from the report, the issues and the challenges are grave," stated Mayor Calderon.
One of the key findings reported by the Grand Jury indicates that city attorney Nathon Hodges had been "billing the city in excess of the contracted amounts." Further, the city council was not doing its due diligence in reviewing those charges until recently elected Mayor Calderon made it a public issue.
"I've always said that a problem isn't a problem when there's a solution," said Arvin Resident Salvador Gomez. "And Mayor, with all due respect, I want to invite you to lead the council and see what is required to cancel any kind of contract we have with the attorney."
"I don't understand why poor Arvin would pay the City Attorney over $400,000 a year when the CEO of the county of Kern doesn't get that, the county council doesn't get that, and the city attorney of Bakersfield doesn't get that," said Former Bakersfield Councilman Mark Salvaggio.
After public pressure, the council voted to terminate its contract with Nathan Hodges— voting three to one— with Councilman Donny Horton being the only one who opposed.
In a statement to 23ABC, Councilman Horton says, quote—"The reason I voted not to terminate the attorney's contract was because I thought we should wait until we hired a firm full-time so there would be no chance for the city to be unrepresented. As of last night, we only have 30 days to overlook the proposals and agree as a council to hire a full-time firm."
Fired City Attorney Nathan Hodges did not address the city council, but he issued this statement after his dismissal.
"I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with the City for the past three and a half years and have enjoyed helping them grow and make positive changes. I wish the community the best of luck in the future," said Hodges.
The city is now reviewing applications from potential firms as they seek to hire a new city attorney.
Hodges's last day serving the City of Arvin is April 10th, 30 days from the council's decision to terminate his contract.
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