Report Prepared by: John M. Bramble, Interim City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Interim City Attorney Billing Amendment
REPORT IN BRIEF
During the City’s contract with Best, Best & Krieger to provide interim City Attorney services from August 2014 to February 2015 one of the billings was missed, thus requiring the city to provide a final payment to the firm for work completed at the end of the contract.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the final payment to Best, Best, & Krieger in the amount of $13,653.20 for services provided in February 2015; and,
B. Authorizing supplemental budget appropriations from the General Fund in the amount of $9,147.20, from the Water Fund in the amount of $2,253.00, and from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $2,253.00; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the final payment for legal services and budget amendment as recommended; or,
2. Amend the staff recommendation for payment of the legal contract and the supplemental budget amendment; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Merced City Charter Sections 200 and 1105.
DISCUSSION
The City Council hired the firm of Best, Best and Krieger to provide Interim City Attorney services for the City Council during the recruitment period of August 2014 to February 2015. Once the City Attorney position was filled there was work that had been requested for completion prior to the new City Attorney’s arrival February 6, 2015. The invoice covered work by BB&K from February 2, 2015 to February 28, 2015. The original invoice included work that was covered under the retainer amount and was reduced by $2,000 based upon the timing of the arrival of the new City Attorney. In a final review by the City Attorney and City Manager’s Offices the work was specifically requested and did involve additional workload for BB&K that was not covered under the City’s retainer with the firm.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The additional invoice will require a supplemental appropriation from the General Fund, Water Fund and Sewer Fund in the amount of $13,653.20.