Minutes - 19781204 - Laserfiche WebLink

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797 Additional billings included all work performed outside of hearings and meetings. Mr. Coleman recalled receiving a $9,500 retainer in duly or August of 1975, but he did not realize until recently the county had not paid a retainer for 1976 and 1977. Mr. Coleman brought the error to the attention'of the county Finance Director, who was under the impression the law firm was working against the retainer since it had not billed the county for same. The firm has billed for all services rendered the county from December, 1974 until present date. Mr. Coleman said no written agreement exists between the law firm and the county. He said~the.~agreement--was reflected in the minutes but not in its entirety. Mr. Coleman presented the Board anew contract authorizing a $20,000 retainer. He explained the l,aw firm would not be billing for routine matters. The retainer would cover: 1) Attendance at all public hearings and meetings, 2) Advice to the Board and county employees about routine matters, 3) Attendance at any other board or council meeting requested by the Commissioners, and 4) The firm's foregoing representation of any organization, agency or individual involved in disputes with any county board, employee or agency. Mr. Coleman requested a new contract be in writing with a clearer understanding of routine legal matters and billings for services. Commissioner Walker questioned the differences in the three contracts presented to the Board and the differences in hourly rates - $50 - $100 for the county, $50 for social services and $40 for IV-p. Mr. Coleman explained county litigation is different from social services and IV-0 litigation. He said social services litigation is primarily of a domestic nature. Th is work is currently performed by an associate, Douglas Hargrave, and an assistant who has graduated from law school but is not yet an attorney. Cases are tried at the district court level and the department of social services provides most of the inves- tigation and most of the testimony. There is little legal research. He said IV-D is practically the same as social services. IV-0 cases are also tried in district court. He said the $40 hourly rate. is the original rate set at the firm's appointment.