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799 <br />county had been represented well b.y the County Attorney. He also said <br />he would like to see the County Attorney continue to serve the county. <br />Commissioner Willhoit said he had confidence in the firm and felt <br />the firm had represented the county well. He said he would like to explore <br />the possibilities of hiring a staff attorney. using a firm's services for <br />law suits and in-court work. He said there was a problem in appointing the <br />County Attorney in December when the budget was prepared in July. He felt <br />if everyone realized a verbal contract existed and a retainer was due, the <br />county should pay what is dug., He said_he would Tike to have anew contract <br />begin in July and continue the present contract until then if it is satisfactory <br />with the firm. <br />Mr. Bernholz said the attorney's contract was no different from other <br />employees who serve at the pleasure of the Board. He said if his firm <br />was re-appointed today, we would continue to serve at ,your pleasure under <br />whatever terms were agreed upon. He suggested airing any questions the <br />Commissioners might have at this time to improve the attorney-client <br />relationship. <br />Gommissioner Barnes said the other persons serving at the pleasure <br />of the Board did not request an increase. She said the law firm was <br />requesting almost double the rate. <br />Commissioner Gustaveson said the increase could easily be handled <br />by a budget amendment but a policy decision would be required on changing <br />the arrangement with the attorneys. He felt it important to have <br />continuity in the IV-D contract. He said the county would loose money if <br />the contract with social services were not signed. <br />Gommissioner Walker said he had requested the delay in signing the <br />contract for social services pending receiving information from the Finance <br />Director. He said that information had now been received. <br />Mr. Bernholz said the increased amount in the proposed contract <br />covered three changes: <br />1) Firm would be available for all meetings, such as Planning <br />Board, Health Board, County Commissioners, or any other agency or subdivision. <br />He requested notification of non-scheduled meetings if the attorneys were <br />to attend. <br />