Summary
Commissioners discussed the cost effects of moving from an annual retainer to hourly billing for outside counsel and asked staff to solicit alternative quotes, paralegal support, and other local options to reduce legal expenses.
Commissioners discussed rising legal expenses tied to a change from an annual retainer to hourly billing for the city’s outside counsel and asked staff to seek alternative arrangements and supplemental support.
Staff reviewed a proposal from the city attorney’s firm to provide an associate one day per week for $6,000 per month (roughly $1,500 per day). The commission expressed concern about that fee level and asked staff to obtain additional quotes, consider local part‑time attorneys or paralegals for drafting and routine review work, and assess whether delegating more tasks internally could reduce billable hours.
Commissioner Shive and others criticized invoice escalation tied to recent complex matters (noted examples included the Morningside Drive negotiations and planning litigation) and said some work could be handled by in‑house staff or a lower‑cost local attorney. "We need to be a competent staff that we don't have to every if I call and ask a question, I should not be told, let me consult mister Rackens because that costs money," one commissioner said.
Staff noted some of the legal work tied to Morningside Drive is reimbursable through state appropriations and that complex planning matters drive a large portion of the billable hours. Commissioners asked for a report of legal spending to date and a list of options to reduce reliance on hourly outside counsel, including possible retainer arrangements, part‑time municipal counsel, paralegal support and additional local quotes.
The commission did not make a contract decision at the workshop. Staff said they will return with additional cost information and alternative proposals.
