The office of city attorney shall be appointive. At the first regular meeting held after the general city election of each even-numbered year, or as soon thereafter as practicable, and after the members of the city council elected at said election in the even-numbered year have been qualified and installed in office, the mayor shall propose a qualified candidate for the office of city attorney and with the concurrence of the city council by a majority vote, said candidate shall be appointed to serve for a term of two (2) years, and until such successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified. The city attorney, at the beginning of each term of office, shall take and subscribe to the official oath of office.
(2004 Code, art. 9.500(a))
(a) 
The city attorney shall perform the duties prescribed by the laws of the state.
(b) 
The city attorney shall provide legal advice to the mayor, the city council and to other officers of the city government as requested. He shall represent the city before any court of law or regulatory body as required. He shall attend council meetings when requested to do so by any member of the city council, the mayor, or the city secretary.
(2004 Code, art. 9.500(b), (c))
The city attorney shall receive such compensation as retainer fee as the city council shall fix by ordinance or resolution. Compensation for legal advice or work shall be made based on rates normally charged by the city attorney.
(2004 Code, art. 9.500(d))