CHICO — Former Assistant City Attorney Andrew Jared is now officially the City Attorney, and is contracted with Chico through a new law firm following an audit.
The city of Chico contracts its attorney services through the firm of Colantuono, Highsmith, Whatley, PC, a law firm with offices in Pasadena and Grass Valley.
Andrew L. Jared, a senior counselor with the firm, has been serving as the city attorney since January. Previously, he was the assistant city attorney under Vince Ewing, when the city contracted with Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin, which operates out of Yountville.
Ewing, though nominally the Chico city attorney, had not advised the city in at least a year or been present at any City Council meetings by the time Jared was promoted. The city also confirmed late last year that it was conducting an audit of its contract with Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin.
Mayor Randall Stone announced the change in staffing in January, but the city has not yet made the meeting minutes nor announcement available to the public.
According to Deputy City Clerk Dani Rogers, Jared does not receive his salary directly from the city, therefore his salary is not subject to a Public Records Act request. It is unknown what the city pays the Colantuono, Highsmith and Whatley firm for Jared’s services.
Jared’s previous firm, Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin, was also unable to provide dates of their employment contract with the city by deadline.
According to the city’s website, some of the services provided by the City Attorney’s Office include representing Chico in all litigation to which the city is a party; rendering legal opinions to the City Council, departments and officers; and preparing and approving city ordinances, resolutions and contracts.
