"Welcome to the Fayetteville City Attorney's home page. It has been my honor and privilege to serve my hometown as City Attorney since March 1, 2001. Although I cannot represent individual citizens with legal problems, I am happy to answer questions about your government and the ordinances passed by the City Council. If I may be of service, please do not hesitate to call me at 479-575-8313."
-Kit Williams, Fayetteville City Attorney
Duties and Responsibilities
The City Attorney's office provides general legal and advisory services to the City Council, the Mayor, and the various operating departments and divisions within the City.
The City Attorney's office represents the City in most civil cases in state and federal courts, including appeals to the Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Misdemeanor prosecutions and violations of city ordinances are handled by the City Prosecutor's Office 479-575-8377 which is under the general supervision of the City Attorney.
General Legal Services
The City Attorney's Office drafts ordinances proposed by the City Council, the Mayor or his staff and provides legal guidance in an attempt to ensure the legality and constitutionality of such proposals. Contracts involving thousands or even millions of dollars of City expenditures must be reviewed, amended, or drafted prior to presentation to the City Council for approval. Hundreds of resolutions, grant applications, and agenda items are reviewed and approved for City Council action every year.
Advisory Function
The City Attorney attends and advises the City Council during its meetings. The Senior Assistant City Attorney attends and advises the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment at their meetings.
City Attorney Staff
The City Attorney's Office is staffed by Paralegal Jodi Batker, Senior Assistant City Attorney Blake Pennington, and City Attorney Kit Williams.
