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Board approves $30,000 amendment for labor counsel after debate; substitute motion passes
Summary
After discussion and a substitute motion, the Sweetwater Authority board approved a $30,000 amendment to its agreement with labor-specialty counsel (Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo), extending funds through the current fiscal year to cover ongoing labor support needs.
The board on April 9 approved a limited amendment to its agreement with labor-specialty counsel Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo to provide additional funds for labor-related legal services.
Background: the general manager told the board that the authority had exhausted the funds available under the manager’s signing authority for the existing labor counsel engagement (approximately $75,000). Staff recommended a larger amendment — an amount not to exceed $150,000 — to cover anticipated labor-related work through June 30, 2026. Several directors expressed concern about the size and term of the proposed amendment and asked for additional detail and options.
Substitute motion: Director Martinez proposed and the board approved a substitute motion to increase the existing authorization by $30,000 to cover immediate needs through the current fiscal year and to revisit the requirement as part of next year’s budget process. The substitute passed on a roll-call vote: Directors Cox, Martinez, Martinez Perez, Morrison and Yamani voted in favor; Director Castaneda voted no; Director Delgado was absent.
Effect: the amendment increases available funds for labor counsel beyond the amount previously authorized by the general manager; staff said the increase provides short-term flexibility while the board reviews the need for further funds during the upcoming budget cycle. Board members noted that existing agreements contain termination clauses and that final decisions on longer-term funding can return to the board.
