City Attorney for the City of Benton Arkansas

Information


Baxter Drennon, City Attorney
114 S. East Street  
Benton, AR 72015
Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Monday through Friday
Phone: 501-776-5900 

Email:Baxter.Drennon@bentonar.org


Duties and Responsibilities

The City Attorney's office provides general legal and advisory services to the City Council, Mayor, and the various operating departments and commissions within the city. The City Attorney represents the city in most civil cases. The City Attorney provides legal advice to our governing body and at the same time makes certain the rights of the citizens are protected. The City Attorney is a part-time position and is elected every four years.

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 funds must be reviewed, amended, or drafted prior to presentation to the City Council or the commissions for approval. Many ordinances, resolutions and agenda items are reviewed and approved for City Council action every year by the City Attorney.

Advisory Function

The City Attorney attends and advises the City Council at their meetings as well as provides advice to the Mayor and the city departments on a daily basis. In addition, the City Attorney gives advice to the Public Utility Commission, the Advertising and Promotion Commission, the Civil Service Commission as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission. This may include advice on how to proceed with a legislative matter or advice on what actions the city should take or not take.