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Lake City approves contract negotiation with Saxon Gilmore to explore creating housing authority
Summary
The council authorized the city to negotiate with the law firm Saxon Gilmore to pursue formation of a municipal housing authority; several residents asked why the city did not run a public RFP and requested an estimate of likely costs before returning to council for any appropriation.
The Lake City Council on Monday approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into negotiations with the law firm Saxon Gilmore to provide legal services related to forming a municipal housing authority.
Resolution 2025-023 authorizes the mayor to execute an agreement with Saxon Gilmore for legal services to “further the establishment of a housing authority in the city.” The resolution passed on a recorded vote after public comment raised questions about procurement and cost transparency.
Several residents asked why the city did not issue a public request for proposals before selecting the firm. Resident Brown said he did not see an RFP in the backup material and asked whether the city had solicited local or regional firms. “When a city does not go out for bids or RFPs, it limits opportunity for others to participate,” Brown said.
City Manager Rosenthal and City Attorney Martin said the item as drafted authorizes negotiations rather than an immediate contract for services with a dollar amount. Rosenthal said the city sought a firm with specialized experience forming housing authorities and that Saxon Gilmore was consistently recommended in Florida for that specialty. Rosenthal said there is no upfront payment; the council would see any proposed budget or task orders before the city obligates funds.
Councilmember Carter asked for deliverables and a cost cap in the next step; Rosenthal and Martin said the city could structure engagement with task orders and return to council with a predictable, not-to-exceed figure before any substantial expenditure.
Votes and formal action
- Resolution 2025-023 (authorize negotiations with Saxon Gilmore to explore housing authority formation): motion to approve passed on roll call (yes: Mister Carter; Mister Gergen; Miss Young; Miss Harris; Mayor Walker). Outcome: approved.
Why it matters: Establishing a housing authority can provide the city legal and financing tools — such as issuing bonds and creating programs — to expand affordable housing options. Residents and councilmembers asked for clear cost estimates, written deliverables and an explanation of why the city chose a specialist firm rather than a broader procurement process.
What’s next: City staff said they will negotiate scope and fees with Saxon Gilmore and return to council with task orders that include deliverables and specific budget requests for approval before the city spends any funds on the project.
