City Attorney
John M. Barr is the Ypsilanti City Attorney. His firm, Barr, Anhut & Associates, P.C., provides Attorney service on a contractual basis, including services by Assistant City Attorneys Karl A. Barr and Jesse O’Jack, of counsel. The firm is supported by office staff including Jane A. Slider, PLS and office manager, who also serves as a Deputy Freedom of Information Act Coordinator.
The City Attorney (Legal Officer) is mandated by City Charter Section 4.06. The City Attorney is appointed by the City Manager subject to confirmation by City Council. The City Attorney serves as chief legal adviser to the City Council, the Manager and all City Departments, officers and agencies. The City Attorney represents the City in all legal proceedings and performs all other legal work as required by law.
The City Attorney serves as a member of the Election Commission and acts as City Prosecutor for the prosecution of all City misdemeanor and civil infraction cases. City Council has designated the City Attorney as Freedom of Information Act Coordinator.