Mayor Wamp responds to legal fee issue in battle with county attorney

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has issued a statement about the legal fees that arose from his dispute over the county attorney’s job.

The Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday approved more funds to pay for the legal battle.

The mayor previously tried to replace Attorney Rheubin Taylor.

In the end, both sides dropped their legal cases and decided to get along.

And some are calling it all a big waste of taxpayer money.

Mayor Wamp issued this response:

“In November, I was sued in my official capacity as County Mayor by Rheubin Taylor. Unfortunately, litigation is extremely expensive, but I had no choice except to retain counsel so that the county had legal representation.
The reality is by the time an appeal would be heard; Taylor’s contract will be nearly expired. Based on our strong working relationship with the County Commission, we decided it was best to forgo an appeal and stay focused on the important work we are doing for the people of Hamilton County. I’m grateful to Chairman Baker for his leadership and the County Commission for unanimously approving our agreement to move county government forward.”