Marshall County Commissioners approve 2026 Legal Services Agreement

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 2:30 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Commissioners approved a legal services agreement with Attorney Sean Surrisi for 2026 during Monday’s meeting.

The agreement includes a $1,500 monthly retainer fee. Under the terms, Surrisi will attend and provide legal advice at up to 25 regularly scheduled County Commissioners' meetings and up to 12 Marshall County Drainage Board meetings throughout the year.

Surrisi will also be available to respond to commissioners and other county officials on legal matters through phone consultations, appointments, or meetings as needed.

While Surrisi has committed to prioritizing the Commissioners and Drainage Board meetings, the agreement includes provisions for scheduling conflicts. If he must miss a regularly scheduled meeting, the monthly retainer fee would be reduced by $200 for each meeting missed.

Legal work beyond the scope of regular meeting attendance will be billed at $266 per hour. This includes attendance at any special meetings and other legal services not covered by the retainer.

Additional costs may include court filing fees, extensive copying charges, and postage fees incurred during the normal course of representation. All additional fees and costs will be billed monthly.

The 2026 agreement includes a termination clause allowing either party to end the contract with 30 days' written notice.