news-record.com

GREENSBORO - A law firm has backed out of a deal to work for Guilford County under a $12,000 monthly interim contract.

The Southeast firm Smith Moore Leatherwood had been in talks to provide a part-time interim county attorney after the sudden resignation of former County Attorney Sharron Kurtz in December.

Instead, Deputy County Attorney Mike Newby was named interim county attorney.

A conflict of interest could arise because it represents other governments in the county, Stephen Earp, the firm's management committed chairman said in a letter.

Fred Baggett is High Point's attorney and works for Smith Moore Leatherwood. Tom Terrell, who also works for the firm, was poised to stand in at the county for Kurtz until a permanent replacement could be found. "I can understand why they pulled out," said Melvin "Skip" Alston, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, who said that the board will still likely seek outside help as he and other commissioners work on a line-item budget and possibly face cuts.

Kurtz is available to the county as a consultant for four months at her full-time salary rate, about $3,000 less than the amount of the contract with Smith Moore Leatherwood.

Terrell would have replaced Kurtz, who resigned abruptly within the same week that former County Manager David McNeill retired suddenly and Deputy County Manager Ben Brown resigned.

Later it was reported that Brown and McNeill were forced out by a majority of the board and replaced with county employees for the interim.

Little was said by commissioners or staff on Kurtz's decision.

All three are staying on as consultants for the county at rates comparable to their monthly salaries for four to six months.

Contact Gerald Witt at 373-7008 or gerald.witt@news-record.com