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associated with approximately six - eight additional meetings per year. This funding will come <br />out of the Clerk’s budget and videos would be available on the planning department’s website. <br /> <br />Assuming an hourly rate of $200 per hour, retaining outside counsel to represent the Board of <br />Adjustment could range from a low of $15,000 solely for attendance at meetings and <br />preparation for those meetings to many tens of thousands of dollars for representation in cases <br />that are appealed if representation during appeals is contemplated. There is currently no line <br />item budgeted to cover this expense. <br /> <br />SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br />this item: <br />• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION <br />Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and <br />volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The County Attorney previously recommended outside counsel was <br />not necessary to represent the Board of Adjustment. If the Board determines separate counsel <br />is needed to represent the Board of Adjustment, an option that does not involve the expense of <br />outside counsel is for the County Attorney’s office to screen one or more attorneys within the <br />office from having any connection to issues that may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment. <br />This would ensure the Board of Adjustment has access to an attorney who has had no prior <br />exposure to matters on appeal. <br /> <br />The County Manager recommends the Board receive the information regarding the purpose and <br />operations of the Orange County Board of Adjustment, discuss this matter as necessary and <br />provide direction to the Manager. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />3