Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Policy Review topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve legal review of county personnel manual; choose local law firm Gerard & Davis
Summary
After receiving three quotes, the board authorized a legal review of a county-specific personnel manual and directed staff to contract with local firm Gerard & Davis instead of an out-of-state HR consultant.
The board approved contracting with the Gerard & Davis law firm to perform a legal review of the county's personnel manual. Human Resources Director Valerie Chambers presented three quotes and recommended a review to ensure the manual complies with current federal and state law.
Chambers told commissioners she solicited three proposals: Gerard & Davis (legal firm; partner rate quoted in the packet), Elderly/Thompson/Sap & Wilson (mid-tier firm), and Helios HR (an HR consulting firm with a $4,000 minimum). Chambers favored Helios as the most economical option but commissioners expressed preference for a law firm with local experience. Commissioners said they were more comfortable using a Georgia law firm familiar with county practice.
A motion passed to retain Gerard & Davis for the legal review; commissioners discussed fee structures during the meeting. Chambers said Helios quoted a minimum of $4,000 and noted travel or additional services would add cost; Gerard & Davis estimated a broader range (the firm’s estimate in the packet ranged roughly between $5,000 and $7,500 depending on attorney time). Chambers said routine follow-up changes could be handled at no cost through the Association of County Commissioners’ legal hotline for small clarifying questions.
The board directed Chambers and county leadership to finalize the contract with Gerard & Davis and share it with the vice chair and chair for execution.
