The Alexandria Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a special meeting last week, after the resignation of their longtime city attorney Vester Parsley. The meeting had one thing on the agenda, Parsley’s replacement as legal advisor for the town.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, November 27, was short but had several local residents in attendance. At the meeting, local attorney Matt Boss introduced himself to the board, saying that he is a longtime resident of the town.

“I have lived in Alexandria my whole life other than the three years I lived in Alabama to go to law school. I practice here in Smithville and DeKalb County. I still live in Alexandria. I have served on the city council before, and I am also President of the Fair Association,” Boss said.

Boss also said that he is a former member of the Liberty Station, Engine 65, with the DeKalb County Fire Department, but that he is no longer an active member.

While most on the board seemed to be in favor of Boss’ hiring, one board member had reservations.

“Do you think with all the hats you carry you could properly carry out the role of our city attorney?” asked Alderman Sherry Tubbs.

“I think you need someone who can give you that time and I think I am very well qualified to do that knowing the challenges the city faces,” replied Boss.

Tubbs also asked if Boss had received any write ups for hist duties as an attorney, and whether he felt he could be transparent and communicate with the board. She also asked how he could represent clients and still serve the town’s best interest.

Boss told the board that he had never been written up the board of professional responsibility. He also explained that he would not represent anyone that had a case against the town itself. He distinguished between representing a client on a criminal charge, over one where a case might be brought against the town. 

In the end, the board brought Boss’ hiring up for a vote, with him being approved for the position by a 5-1 vote.  Alderman Tubbs was the lone no vote, while Luke Prichard, Bobby Simpson, Jonathon Tripp, Jeff Ford, and Tiffany Robinson all voted in favor.

Boss was sworn in at the end of the meeting.

Afterwards, at the request of the Police Chief Kenneth (K.D.) Smith, the board rescheduled a workshop for Thursday, December 5, at 5 p.m. to discuss leasing the doctor’s building in Alexandria for the new location of the police department. If approved, a portion of the salaries of the police chief and an officer for up to two years to fund the lease.