AUBURN -- Numerous department heads and members of Auburn City Council expressed Thursday that the city would benefit from a full-time corporation counsel. During a work-session meeting, city officials debated whether there is a need to change the office's structure.

Three councilors are interested in having the city be represented by one, full-time attorney. But City Manager Mark Palesh and Councilor Matt Smith want it unchanged, with local attorneys John Rossi and Andrew Fusco working part-time.

Councilor William Graney said many city departments heads desire more accessibility from the corporation counsel office.

"It is just hard to get an answer to a question when you have a corporation counsel working 12 hours a week," Graney said during the meeting.

Three department heads at the meeting -- Police Chief Gary Giannotta, Fire Chief Mike Hammon and Comptroller Lisa Green -- all stated a preference for a full-time attorney. While all agreed that Rossi and Fusco provide quality service, they said a full-time staff would be more available to address legal concerns.

"A lot of times, when I need an answer, I need an answer," Giannotta said, adding he often has to call Rossi or Fusco outside of work hours. "They are dealing with city business on personal time. That is not fair for them."

Hammon said he most often deals with the city attorneys on labor-related decisions. If city officials decide to bring a full-time counsel, he hopes the person "has a labor background," he said.

But Smith pointed out that the city has not experienced any major losses or lawsuits due to this format. And cities such as Watertown and Cortland have part-time attorneys, he said.

"Why do we want to change?" Smith said. "We're getting a pretty good bang for our buck with these two."

After the meeting, Smith warned that a new, full-time attorney could be appointed for political reasons.

"We need to be stewards of the people, not to reward political loyalty," Smith said.