Edmond Council Discusses City Attorney Employment
The Edmond City Council held an executive session but took no formal action regarding city attorney Madeline Sawyer.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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The Edmond City Council met in a private executive session for 90 minutes to discuss the employment status of city attorney Madeline Sawyer. Following the session, the council took no official action on the matter.
Why it matters
The discussion remains a point of local interest following the placement of Madeline Sawyer on leave on September 28. The city continues to manage its legal operations with the temporary appointment of an acting attorney.
The council approved a $40,000 contract for Laura McDevitt to serve as acting attorney during the 90-minute executive session. The city continues to operate under leadership shifts that include a new city manager and municipal judge.
The players
Madeline Sawyer
She serves as the city attorney of Edmond and was placed on leave in September.
Laura McDevitt
She is an attorney who was hired under a $40,000 contract to act as the city attorney.
A.J. Krieger
He began his tenure as the city manager of Edmond in November 2025.
David Prater
He started his role as an associate municipal judge in Edmond in July 2025.
Terry Essary
He assumed the position of fire chief for the city in July 2025.
The details
Council members met in a small conference room and required observers to leave the area for the private discussion regarding the city attorney. The meeting occurred as the city adjusts to a series of recent personnel changes in high-level municipal roles.
Timeline
July 2025: David Prater and Terry Essary started city positions.
September 28: Madeline Sawyer was placed on leave.
November 2025: A.J. Krieger started as city manager.
October 15, 2026: Council held an executive session to discuss Sawyer.
Market Landscape
This employment discussion mirrors a broader pattern of turnover within the municipal government, including recent transitions in the city manager, fire chief, and judicial offices. These shifts reflect a concentrated change in the city's executive administration during the current cycle.
Residents should not expect immediate changes to legal services or court operations, as the council took no action during the meeting. The appointment of an acting attorney ensures the city continues to handle municipal legal matters while the status of the city attorney remains under review.
The takeaway
Maintaining stability in municipal legal oversight is essential for city operations during times of executive transition. Residents can monitor future public council agendas to see if the city determines a permanent path forward for the city attorney position.
Further reading
For more information on local staffing updates, visit the Edmond People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oklahoman.
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