Concerning conflicts of interest involving a county attorney

This bill concerns the duties and responsibilities of county attorneys. The bill adds engaging in the simultaneous representation of the county, the board of supervisors, and any other county official if a conflict of interest exists between the parties and engaging in any other type of legal representation if it creates a conflict of interest with the county to the list of prohibited actions of a county attorney. A majority of a board of supervisors may decide to obtain outside counsel if a dispute exists between the county attorney, the board of supervisors, or any other county official. A board of supervisors may hire outside counsel to decide whether a conflict exists with the county attorney. If outside counsel determines a conflict of interest exists, a district court may review that determination upon request by the county attorney. If a county sheriff reasonably believes that a conflict of interest exists with the county attorney and the board of supervisors refuses to act, the county sheriff may, through notice pleadings, petition a district court for a determination of whether a conflict of interest exists and request a stay on any pending proceedings. The district court shall issue a ruling on the merits within days and may appoint outside counsel to represent the county sheriff or issue any other order in the interest of justice and all court costs and expenses shall by paid by the county.