Dover Council Seeking $425K to Cover Legal Fees

Emergency Resolution proposed to pay the unexpected shortfall in the 2025 budget.

Dover Town Council will vote on an emergency appropriation resolution to cover $425,000 in accrued legal fees. (Photo/DOVERNOW.com)

“Whereas an emergency has arisen with respect to legal expenses and, no adequate provision was made in the 2025 budget for the aforesaid purpose…” 

That’s how Resolution No. 299-2025 begins.

The Dover Town Council will vote on the Resolution at its scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 9. In the agenda, it is listed under “Approval of Resolutions” (L2), “Resolution 299-2025 Authorizing Emergency Appropriation.” 

The purpose is to approve payment of $425,000. No itemized list of attorney fees, expenses, or the issues for which the attorneys were being used has been made public. However, Dover has been involved in high-profile legal matters – from covering the legal bills of Councilman Sergio Rodriguez to Mayor James P. Dodd’s accusations of misconduct against Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney, or the town’s ill-fated attempt to restructure the Police and Fire departments by hiring a civilian Public Safety Director. 

Mayor James P. Dodd and Dover Chief Financial Officer Dr. Edward Ramirez declined requests to comment on the Resolution. 

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday night. CLICK HERE to view the complete agenda. Attend the meeting, which is open to the public via Zoom, by CLICKING HERE.