It is no secret this corner is not fond of the village of Fredonia’s attorneys. In 2021, the firm advocated a closed-door meeting that went by the name of a “retreat” to keep the public away.

It was an illegal meeting, but since there are no penalties other than shaming, the out-of-town firm was OK with that. Remember, these lawyers work for the municipal boards, not the residents those elected officials represent.

So we’re not surprised they are looking for a pay increase — since the last two years have not been as lucrative as 2021 was for the Webster Szyanyi group. During those 12 months, it took $223,761 from the village. Adding up the last two years of $75,000 and $105,000 has to be a disappointment when looking back three years ago.

So the firm wants more money — $10 an hour. That’s expected — with inflation and grocery costs going up.

But the board needs to do its due diligence. See if there is a local attorney — even though it’s doubtful — who wants to do the job.

The attorney cost for the city of Dunkirk, which if facing fiscal troubles, is much less than what the village has paid over the last three years. That is a much larger operation with a $26 million budget compared to $11 million.

Fredonia has money troubles of its own. Possibly finding some savings — and a more local connection — may be worth another look.