Minutes - 19781204 - Laserfiche WebLink

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802 Commissioner Whitted said he recalled the line item budget for attorneys was compiled - $9,500 retainer plus an estimate for bills to be submitted in a 12 month period. Mr. Coleman said the previous County Attorney received a $5,000 a year retainer - $2,500 semi-annually. The previous County Attorney did not attend meetings. In 1974, his firm agreed to attend all meetings and the Board agreed to increase the retainer for this reason. The law firm was to bill the caunty for services rendered other than meetings at the . rate of $40 an hour in and out of court. -----'-` The Finance Director said he agreed with what Mr. Coleman had said, but he thought the retainer was to be drawn against. Commissioner Walker asked whether the county could be reimbursed for any charges over $50. Mr. Coleman said to his knowledge the overbilling that occurred in social services had been credited and he was nat aware of any other billings over $50. Commissioner Walker requested the Finance Officer submit monthly reports as bills are paid. He requested copies of bills of social services, IV-D and the county. The County Manager said the Finance Officer would submit monthly bills at the end of the month and the Board could review and then request additional itemization or breakdown if desired. Commissioner Whitted asked Mr. Coleman to submit billings for the retainer for 1976, 1977 and 1978 and to draw up a memorandum of understanding of the agreement the attorneys have with the Board. The Finance Officer asked who had the authority to request legal services. Commissioner Gustaveson replied the County Manager had the authority to give a department permission to request for legal services. A consensus of the Board would also give authority to request far legal services. Commissioner Whitted said some arrangement needed to be made between the County Manager and various departments as to what type routine calls need to be made.