In a recent government meeting, commissioners approved a contract with Thomson Reuters for legal research services, which will cost approximately $7,000 per month, with a 5% annual increase over the next three years. The decision sparked a discussion among commissioners regarding the necessity and financial implications of the expenditure, especially given the county's existing legal counsel.

Commissioner DeLu raised concerns about the high costs associated with the contract, questioning the need for such services when the county already employs corporate counsel and incurs significant monthly expenses for outside legal counsel. He emphasized the importance of understanding how the legal research service fits into the broader legal framework of the county, which includes nine departments.

In response, county officials clarified that the Thomson Reuters service is not solely for the board of commissioners but is utilized across various departments, including the courts and the sheriff's office. This comprehensive access is intended to streamline legal research and reduce the time spent on case law and attorney general opinions.

The meeting also highlighted the financial benefits of having a full-time corporation counsel, which has reportedly reduced monthly legal expenses from $34,000-$40,000 to approximately $6,000-$8,000. Officials noted that the new contract with Thomson Reuters would allow the county to leverage collective purchasing power, resulting in better pricing for legal research services.

Ultimately, the motion to approve the contract passed unanimously, with all commissioners voting in favor. The decision reflects the county's ongoing efforts to manage legal costs while ensuring that necessary resources are available for effective legal research and support across departments.