Warren County will be represented in future legal matters by a Franklin County law firm. County commissioners last Thursday voted unanimously to hire the law firm of Purschke, White, Robinson, Becker and Briegel, Union. Shortly after the vote was taken, Joe Purschke was contacted by phone and accepted the county’s offer to serve as its legal counsel. Purschke told The Record that he was “honored” to be selected as Warren County’s legal counsel. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he added. The firm will charge $135 per hour for correspondence, $175 per hour for litigation in state courts and $200 per hour for litigation in federal court, according to Presiding Commissioner Arden Engelage. The Purschke firm was selected from a pool of nine attorneys and law firms which responded to the county’s request for qualifications. Submissions of qualifications were received from attorneys and law firms from Warren, Franklin, St. Charles and St. Louis counties. Making the selection was “a very tough decision,” Engelage stated.“I was impressed by the number of attorneys and firms who submitted their qualifications for consideration,” remarked Hubie Kluesner, Southern District commissioner. “They’re a very well-rounded firm,” said Dan Hampson, Northern District commissioner, adding that “we’re not taking anything away from any of the other firms.” Kluesner also noted that the Purschke firm has no ties or involvement with other government entities with which Warren County regularly conducts business. Some matters related to personnel may still be handled by Doreen D. Dodson, a St. Louis attorney who previously worked for the the Stolar Partnership, Warren County’s longtime legal counsel. The Stolar Partnership closed recently, resulting in the commission’s search for a new attorney or firm to handle legal matters for the county. Members of the county commission met Monday with Attorney Joe Purschke. Commissioners introduced Purschke to elected officials and department heads at the Administration Building. Acquisition of road easements also was discussed and copies of the county’s personnel and safety policies were given to Purschke for his review. “We’re helping them get familiar with (our policies),” Kluesner remarked.