HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2g: Agreement with Carpenter, Rothans & Dumont for Defense Attorney Services of ARc
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oo �4n,t3.°tom° MEMORANDUM
Office of the City Attorney
Date: November 1, 2011
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: STEPHEN P. DEITSCH, CITY ATTORNEY 5.-t*' r
PREPARED BY: LISA MUSSENDEN, CHIEF DEPUTY CITY
CLERK/RECORDS MANAGER
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE CITY'S DEFENSE
ATTORNEY FIRM, CARPENTER ROTHANS AND DUMONT INCLUDING
A RATE INCREASE.
Recommended Action: Approve
SUMMARY
The City's defense attorneys, Carpenter Rothans & Dumont, have requested a rate
increase from $160 to $175 per hour effective November 1, 2011. They have indicated that
they recognize budget constraints facing all municipalities; however, they have indicated
that their costs of insurance, office space and other overhead continues to escalate. Both
the City Manager and City Attorney believe that the proposed rate increase is reasonable
and appropriate.
BACKGROUND
The law firm of Carpenter Rothans and Dumont has been the City's defense attorneys for
more than 20 years and have done excellent tort claims legal work on behalf of the City and
its employees.
A review of our records indicates that the firm's last rate increase was more than five (5)
years ago. The Agreement including the rate increase with Carpenter Rothans and
Dumont has been reviewed by the City Attorney and has been approved as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact at this time is undetermined; however there are sufficient funds in the
General Account to accommodate the requested rate increase.
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an Agreement between the City and
Carpenter Rothans & Dumont, including a rate increase from $160 to $175 per hour.
CONCUR:
Donald Penman
City Manager
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