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Council asks city attorney to seek rate extension; signals staff will prepare RFP to compare in‑house and firm models
Summary
Council asked City Attorney Nancy Meyer to check whether her firm would extend the current hourly rates rather than raise them, and directed staff to prepare materials to evaluate an in‑house attorney option and outside firms ahead of the contract renewal window.
Port Richey City Council on Oct. 14 discussed renewal of the city attorney contract that expires in January. City Attorney Nancy Meyer was present and the council asked her to inquire whether the firm would extend the present rates rather than raise its hourly fees. Council members said they value the relationship and the law firm’s depth of personnel but expressed concern that legal spending has exceeded budget in prior years.
Council discussed the tradeoffs between retaining outside counsel and hiring an in‑house attorney. Proponents of an in‑house position said a full‑ or part‑time attorney on site could provide faster day‑to‑day service and institutional knowledge, while other members noted that a firm provides access to specialists and bench depth for litigation and complex matters. Council instructed staff to prepare a draft RFP/RFQ so members can compare the total cost of an in‑house attorney (salary, benefits, research databases) versus retaining a law firm at negotiated hourly rates.
Meyer and council agreed staff would first ask the current firm whether it would extend the contract at current rates; staff will also collect comparable arrangements from neighboring jurisdictions and prepare a proposed RFP for council review at a future meeting.
No formal contract award or personnel change was passed at the meeting; council sought more information before deciding whether to pursue an in‑house attorney or another contract.
