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Council votes to retain Leskovich Law Group as city attorney on short-term contract
Summary
After reviewing options and costs for in-house versus outsourced counsel, the council voted to contract with Leskovich Law Group with the firm’s lead attorney designated to serve at the dais; staff to draft a 1–2 year contract and terms.
PUNTA GORDA — The Punta Gorda City Council voted Feb. 25 to retain Leskovich Law Group to serve as city attorney under a council-directed contract. The decision followed staff and council discussion of the tradeoffs between hiring an in-house attorney and contracting with a law firm.
Jeff Payne, HR manager, presented procurement options and survey results from similar municipalities. Council members expressed concern about the cost of an in-house attorney — salary, benefits and malpractice insurance — and noted the flexibility of outsourcing for a smaller city. Leskovich, serving on an interim basis, summarized his billing history to date, current billing arrangement with the city and a willingness to negotiate hourly terms.
Council action: A motion to retain Leskovich Law Group and negotiate a contract passed; council discussed a one- or two-year term and asked staff to prepare a written agreement with termination language and primary assignment of Leskovich as counsel who will attend regular council meetings.
What to expect: Staff will draft the contract and bring it back for council approval with terms including hourly rate, malpractice coverage, term length and any auto-renewal or termination clauses.
Quote: Councilwoman Mosse moved to retain Leskovich Law Group and designate the firm’s lead counsel to appear regularly at council meetings; Leskovich said he would work with staff to finalize contract terms.
