Tampa Bay Water board renews general counsel contract for one year with conditions

Tampa Bay Water's board of directors voted to renew its general counsel contract for one year with a $250 monthly increase, but removed an automatic renewal and automatic annual increases and directed staff to schedule renegotiation at least 60 days before the contract ends.

The contract renewal was proposed by general counsel representatives; Kelly Fernandez told the board she and David Jackson were interested in extending their services and requested a $250 increase to raise the monthly retainer to $25,000. Board members discussed oversight and market review before approving the renewal. Councilwoman Lisette Hanowitz moved the amendment, calling for a one-year extension "with the increase as requested with no auto renewal and no auto increase and schedule it for discussion at least 60 days prior to the termination of the 1 year contract." Commissioner Angus noted a prior market review and said annual market reviews were unnecessary though periodic checks could be useful.

Board members also discussed an hourly rate for nonroutine work included in the contract. Counsel confirmed the firm provides an itemized listing of time even when the retainer applies. After discussion, the motion to renew as amended passed unanimously.

Board members said they expect staff to bring comparative market information and to schedule the renegotiation within the 60‑day window before the contract's expiration.

The renewal will keep the monthly retainer at a fixed, invoiced amount for the coming year and preserves the board’s ability to terminate within the contract’s existing 60‑day termination provision.