According to City Attorney Keith Lemieux, the Ridgecrest City Council in closed session Wednesday decided to retain a special attorney to represent the city in the arbitration issue with the Timbisha Shoshone tribe.

Funds for the new attorney would come from the city’s general fund, according to Lemieux. However, whoever prevails in the action will be able to recover attorney fees from the other side -- meaning the city could wind up paying for both attorneys if it loses.