Redlands Hiring New City Attorney

Last week, the City of Redlands posted an opening for City Attorney, with a listed salary of $233,388.00 - $289,572.00 annually. According to Payscale.com, the median yearly pay for city attorneys is $96,983, with only the top 10% making over $133,000.

It is unclear why former City Attorney Dan McHugh is no longer in the position. 

In February 2021, the San Bernardino County Sentinel critisized McHugh for failing to respond to criticism that "Redlands did not allow residents or the general public to phone in" when council meetings were held virtually. 

California's Brown Act "requires a local legislative body to provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the body concerning any item described in a notice of meeting" except in specific circumstances.

McHugh did speak publicly on the Brown Act in May 2020, when, as Redlands Community News reported, former Mayor Pro Tem Denise Davis and former Councilwoman Toni Momberger rejected an emergency measure regarding business reopening because the public did not have a chance to comment.

According to the Community News, McHugh assured the Council that the Brown Act "allows the council to introduce an emergency measure when information comes to the council after the agenda has been published. It also allows an emergency measure when the need for action is immediate." 

The job posting states, "The City is seeking an experienced attorney with demonstrated expertise in municipal law, particularly in the areas of land use, economic development, Brown Act compliance, public works, employment law, and code enforcement."