Minutes - 19781204 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

798 Mr. Coleman said the county cases are tried on different levels, such as Superior Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, ar before boards and commissions such as State Board of Elections or Tax Commission. Unique problems and questions arise, mare energy and intellect is required and usually mare money is involved. He said the $lOD figure is for in-court time only and the $50 rate still applies to research and preparation. Commissioner Walker asked whether the rates were negotiable. Mr. Coleman said the firm's request was in the form of a proposal for ,,. .. Board consideration and he felt the prices were fair. ~~~ Mr. Coleman said the law firm that represents the Town of Chapel Hill is paid a $30,000 retainer. In addition to the retainer, the firm receives $10,000 in lieu of expenses. In addition to that, the Town pays the salary of an attorney of that firm in the range of $20,000 to $25,000 and the firm bills for all litigation and preparation. Commissioner Walker said correspondence he had received indicated the top rate of North Carolina attorneys involved in this type of work to 6e $35 an hour. Commissioner lJillhoit said he would like time to consider alternatives. He said he would like to appoint the firm of Coleman, Bernholz and Dickerson to be County Attorney and to continue the present $9,500 retainer agreement until the end of the budget year. He felt this would give the Board time to explore other alternatives. Mr. Coleman said his firm would not represent a client that did not have confidence in the firm and he did not want the Commissioners to appoint his firm just for traditional purposes. He said he would feel "hard put" to represent the county not knowing when or how much he would be paid. Commissioner Walker said the purpose oT this discussion was to try to clear up uncertainties and prevent problems in the future. Mr. Bernholz said the Beaufort County Attorney charges minimum of $50 an hour. He said Mecklenburg Gounty has a full time staff which exceeds $100,000 a year. He Said his firm's hourly rates conformed to other hourly rates across the state for public and private employment. Commissioner Gustaveson said he had confidence in the firm and believed them to very capable. He felt rates were in line and felt the