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Council approves 7th extension of city attorney retainer with 3% increase
Summary
The council voted to extend the city’s civil legal services agreement with White Peterson (seventh extension since 2019) and authorized the mayor to sign documents; the firm requested a 3% retainer increase and councilors cited continuity after a year of heavy legal work.
A staff‑introduced agenda bill recommended that the council continue the contract with White Peterson for city civil legal services and approve a 3% increase to the retainer. The staff report noted a period of intensive legal activity over the past 12 months but recommended continuity rather than conducting a new RFP.
A White Peterson representative addressed the council, saying continuity had merit after recent transitions and litigation and that the firm was pleased to continue serving the city. "This is the 7th extension since 2019," the representative said, noting prior adjustments were delayed during staff transitions.
A council member moved to approve the seventh extension of the agreement for city attorney/civil legal services with White Peterson; the motion was seconded. Roll call votes recorded affirmative votes from Council member Giles, another council member and the mayor. The mayor was authorized to sign the necessary documents and the motion carried.
Councilors said the increase was reasonable given market pressures and emphasized the value of stable legal representation after a busy year of work. Staff indicated they expect legal needs to return to a more typical level in the coming fiscal year.
