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Moraga council approves 10% rate increase for town attorney; staff says contract remains cost‑effective
Summary
The council adopted a resolution authorizing a first amendment to the town‑attorney agreement with Burke, Williams & Sorensen that raises hourly rates roughly 10% (senior partner $240 → $265). Staff estimated the change would add about $30,000 a year at most and remain within the legal services budget.
The Moraga Town Council voted Feb. 25 to adopt a resolution authorizing a 10% hourly‑rate adjustment for the town attorney services agreement with the firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen.
Town staff and the mayor's ad hoc town‑attorney committee recommended the increase after noting the contract rates had not been adjusted since 2010. The town manager reported that the senior partner rate would rise from $240 per hour to $265, other attorney rates would increase proportionally (for example, roughly $225 to $248 per hour for mid‑level attorneys and $195 to $215 for lower‑tier rates). The manager estimated the amendment would raise annual legal costs by about $30,000 in a worst‑case scenario and advised that the existing $359,000 legal budget would not need adjustment.
Council members noted the value of specialized municipal legal expertise and compared the cost of outside counsel to hiring an in‑house attorney. Several members said the firm provides continuity and a range of expertise that would be difficult to replicate in a single in‑house hire.
Council member Malia moved and Council member Teal seconded the resolution; the council approved the amendment by voice vote and authorized the mayor to execute the contract amendment.
The adopted amendment is effective immediately; staff will continue to monitor monthly bills and report contract costs as part of regular financial oversight.
