Edmond City Council Appointed Acting City Attorney
The city council voted unanimously to appoint Laura McDevitt following the suspension of Madeline Sawyer.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in City Hall
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Edmond City Council members voted unanimously to appoint Laura McDevitt as acting city attorney. This decision follows the placement of city attorney Madeline Sawyer on paid administrative leave.
Why it matters
The change in legal leadership comes as the council navigates internal administration following the suspension of the attorney who has served in the role since 2024.
The council approved a contract for Laura McDevitt totaling up to $40,000. This action followed a closed-door executive session that lasted 53 minutes.
The players
Laura McDevitt
She is the newly appointed acting city attorney for Edmond.
Madeline Sawyer
She has served as the city attorney since 2024 and previously held the position of assistant city attorney.
Taylor Clark
He served as the temporary lead attorney for the city between late September and mid-October 2026.
The details
Council members convened behind closed doors for 53 minutes before moving to place Madeline Sawyer on administrative leave. Laura McDevitt was subsequently installed to manage the office's legal responsibilities.
Timeline
Madeline Sawyer served as assistant city attorney from 2021 to 2023.
Madeline Sawyer began her tenure as city attorney in 2024.
The council placed Sawyer on administrative leave on September 28, 2026.
Taylor Clark served as temporary lead attorney between September 28 and October 12, 2026.
The council appointed Laura McDevitt as acting city attorney on October 12, 2026.
Political Context
Critics of closed-door executive sessions often argue that such meetings limit transparency regarding personnel decisions in local government. Opponents frequently emphasize the public's right to know the specific rationale behind the sudden suspension of high-level city officials.
The appointment ensures that city legal business continues without interruption during the administrative leave of the city attorney. Residents should anticipate standard operations at the Edmond Municipal Court as the acting attorney assumes her duties.
The takeaway
Council leadership transitions are typically handled through executive sessions to address personnel matters confidentially. Residents are encouraged to monitor future public council agendas to see if further discussions regarding the city attorney position occur.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit City Hall.
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