MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District Board of Directors selected Harold Moberg as its new attorney.

In a 2-1 vote, they decided to offer Moberg, of Moses Lake, the position on a six-month trial period starting April 1.

Moberg is the Port of Moses Lake's attorney.

The district's previous attorney, Chris Ries, of Moses Lake, resigned earlier this year.

Moberg and Wenatchee attorney Chuck Zimmerman showed interest in the opening at the irrigation district.

District board director Ron Covey provided a summary of Zimmerman's experience.

He was recommended to Covey by two of the district's previous attorneys and two local attorneys, Covey said. He voted against offering Moberg the job.

Zimmerman has experience working with municipalities and water-associated legislation, and for a number of cities throughout the state, Covey said.

The drawback is he lives in Wenatchee and the district would be paying his travel costs, Covey said.

Zimmerman's hourly rate is higher than Moberg's, but he could have paralegals do the work at a lower rate, Covey said.

"I think that's more than going to offset what the travel time is going to be," Covey said.

He mentioned the possibility of eliminating travel costs by using the video chat program Skype. It would allow the board to meet remotely with Zimmerman.

Board director Rich Archer said his wife recommended Moberg because of his work for the North Columbia Community Action Council.

Archer cited the Moberg family's experience working in the legal field.

Archer said the district's previous attorney didn't have Zimmerman's experience and did a great job too.

"I don't think spending just $6,000 on travel time is good, that equates to 85 hours of paralegal time," Archer said. "I don't see that balance working, I don't see it being paid for by paralegals."

Board president Mick Hansen said for a two-hour meeting, Zimmerman's fees are more than double Moberg's because of travel time.