Myers Retires, Branum Steps In As City Attorney

After nearly half a century serving the City of Olney, longtime City Attorney Bill Myers has officially retired.

During its May 11 meeting, the Olney City Council accepted Mr. Myers’ resignation, effective immediately, after Mayor Rue Rogers announced that the city attorney had decided “the time was right to pass the torch.” Mr. Myers was not present at the meeting.

In his May 1 resignation letter, Mr. Myers said that “when I look back over forty-nine years, and remember the challenges that the City has faced, I am grateful that I was present to be a part of those efforts.”

“It was truly the best of times and the worst of times,” he wrote.

Mr. Myers became city attorney in April 1977, only two months after receiving his law license, and served the city continuously for 49 years.

“It came out of a situation where the existing city attorney got upset about some council decisions and quit,” Mr. Myers told the Enterprise. “They needed somebody and hired a young attorney who knew a little but not a lot.”

Mayor Rogers praised Mr. Myers’ long tenure and service to the city.

“He’s done a lot for us,” Mayor Rogers said. “(We’re) Very appreciative.”

Mayor Rogers said Mr. Myers requested that the city waive the 30-day notice provision in his contract so he could immediately step away from the position and focus on his private law practice.

Mr. Myers said the timing felt appropriate for several reasons, including a transition plan the city began years ago.

“Back in 2021, the city council came to me and said, ‘Look, we’ve got Dan Branum in town and we like him,’” Mr. Myers said. “They wanted me to consider remaining city attorney for some period of time and him being assistant to learn from me.”

Assistant City Attorney Dan Branum has served in that role for approximately four years and worked closely with Myers during the transition period. The council unanimously appointed Branum as the new city attorney at the May 11 meeting.

Mr. Myers said he believes having a city attorney who lives locally is important.

“I do believe you need a city attorney who lives in town if possible and knows the community and also that can be right there at meetings,” he said.

Mr. Branum praised Mr. Myers during remarks to the council, noting both his longevity and effectiveness.

“I don’t believe the city’s ever been sued in the 49 years that he was city attorney, which is something,” Mr. Branum said.

Mr. Branum described municipal law as a constantly evolving field requiring attorneys to handle everything from human resources and property rights to open meetings law and issues with the city’s new Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ.

“One day it’s HR, another day it’s TIRZ, another day it’s property rights, whatever,” Mr. Branum said. “As a lawyer, you’re always having to keep learning.”

Mayor Rogers said Mr. Branum’s local roots and involvement in city projects made him a strong choice for the position.

“You’re local, you’re here, and you’re involved,” Mayor Rogers told Mr. Branum. “That really means a lot.”

Mr. Myers, who turned 75 in April, said he plans to continue practicing law and remains busy with private cases.

“I still got some pretty good practice and I’ve got some good cases,” he said. “I thought it was a good time to step aside and let Dan assume that post.”

He also reflected on his decades serving the city.

“It was a privilege and honor to be considered for that position,” Mr. Myers said. “I hope I have done a decent job. I love municipal law, it’s interesting and challenging, and I felt like it was time to pass him the baton.”

Mayor Rogers said he hopes the city will organize a public reception honoring Myers’ decades of service.

“We need to do something and recognize him for his many years of service,” Mayor Rogers said.

Mr. Myers said he wishes both Branum and the city well moving forward.

“I wish Dan every success,” he said. “I wish Olney every success.”