Soap Lake finance director, attorney resign

SOAP LAKE — The City of Soap Lake received two resignation letters, one from Finance Director Jeff Balentine and one from City Attorney Julie Norton, according to public records obtained from the City of Soap Lake.  

On March 19, Balentine sent an email declaring his resignation to city council members, Mayor Peter Sharp and Norton. Within the email, he said he has concerns about a city contract that was not properly approved by Soap Lake City Council.  

“Since arriving and having the pleasure of working with a fantastic team, I have made it very clear that I cannot support any unethical conduct. I have no tolerance for it,” wrote Balentine.  

He said the city has incredible staff, and Soap Lake deserves transparency and accountability. However, he expressed concerns about the ethics of the situation. 

“Despite great strides the city has made, I no longer feel comfortable supporting the city,” he wrote. “Effective immediately, I am resigning and withdrawing any further offers of support.”  

He concluded the email saying he closed the books March 18 and will closed his timesheet out immediately.  

“I ask that I not be contacted by the administration,” Balentine wrote.  

The following day, Norton emailed a signed resignation letter to Sharp and council members notifying them, Odgen Murphy Wallace, PLLC, her law firm, is providing a 60-day notice to terminate legal services with the city. Her final day will be May 19, 2026.  

“We have valued our relationship with the City and appreciate the confidence the City has placed in our firm. We remain committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition of all pending matters during the notice period,” reads the 60-day notice. 

It further states that the law firm will be cooperative in transitioning all active files, pending matters and documentation to the successor.  

“We respectfully request that the City promptly identify and engage replacement counsel so that a proper transition may be completed prior to the effective date of termination,” reads the statement.  

    Last Friday, Soap Lake Attorney Julie Norton sent a 60-day notice to terminate legal services with the city in an email to the mayor and city council. Her final day will be May 19, 2026.