For the second time in less than three months, a Lynnwood city official has resigned.

Eric Frimodt has decided to step down as city attorney.

“I am currently in the process of putting together, with the mayor and council, a transition plan,” Frimodt told The Enterprise newspaper.

The resignation comes after a May 24 city council meeting in which the city’s legal department came under scrutiny for being over budget. At the meeting, Mayor Don Gough said the attorney’s billing statements will be reviewed more thoroughly. Acting finance director Vicki Heilman said there is no evidence whatsoever of overbilling.

Some council members were quick to defend the city attorney.

“I was frustrated and appalled by what I heard as character assassination of a very fine city attorney and a very fine person who has worked with the city through very difficult times,” Council member Mark Smith said.

“Comments were made, by accident or by design, that were just unfortunate. The city has another black eye,” Council member Loren Simmonds told the Enterprise.

Frimodt works for a law firm that’s contracted by the city. His replacement will be from the same firm.

In March, city finance director John Moir resigned following a heated budget discussion with the city council.

Photo from the Inslee, Best, Doezie and Ryder website.