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Millville debate over solicitor contract centers on hourly rates and not-to-exceed cap
Summary
Commissioners discussed a resolution appointing a municipal solicitor (firm) and a not-to-exceed annual compensation. The solicitor and staff described prior short-term coverage, an hourly rate structure ($225 then $275 reported) and the need for a certification of funds; questions remained about budget coverage and contract language.
Millville commissioners examined a resolution appointing the municipal solicitor for the remainder of the year, focusing on contract language, hourly rates and an annual not-to-exceed compensation.
Staff described a corrected compensation schedule that sets a total annual cap of $180,000 and a certification-of-funds process that will post $120,000 for the second half of the year after an initial $60,000 certification for the first six months. The solicitor's representative explained the engagement is with his firm rather than as an employee and described a proposed hourly rate increase from $225 to $275 for the latter six months.
"If I can get this done at under $180,000, there's going to be significant cost savings to the city," the solicitor's representative said, characterizing the engagement as potentially more cost-effective than a full-time in-house solicitor because there are no payroll taxes, pension or health contributions.
Commissioners sought clarity on whether hourly rates were included in the $180,000 cap or would be additional; staff said the cap is a not-to-exceed figure and that hourly work would be billed against that amount. Several commissioners asked for sight of the amended resolution text and a clear statement that the contract names the firm and specifies professional-contract language rather than an employee appointment.
Public commenter Tim Cardi later pressed for transparency on what the first six months of the contract cost the city under the earlier $225 hourly arrangement and whether the budget anticipates any overrun on professional services. Staff said historical billing data is available and agreed to provide it to commissioners.
No final vote on the solicitor appointment was recorded at the work session; staff said a corrected resolution would be circulated to reflect that the engagement is by professional contract with the firm.
