Report Prepared by: Craig J. Cornwell, City Attorney, City Attorney's Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Richards, Watson & Gershon Third Amendment and Best Best & Krieger LLP Fourth Amendment in a Total Amount not to Exceed $110,000.00
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the approval of Richards, Watson & Gershon Third Amendment and Best Best & Krieger LLP Fourth Amendment in a total amount not to exceed $110,000.00.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a Third Amendment to an Agreement for Legal Services with Richards, Watson & Gershon to extend the term of the contract and for additional compensation in an amount not to exceed $60,000; and,
B. Approving a Fourth Amendment to an Agreement for Legal Services with Best Best & Krieger LLP for additional compensation in an amount not to exceed $50,000; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than as recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The following amendments to the current outside legal counsel agreements are requested as follows:
Richards, Watson & Gershon Third Amendment Request
On February 20, 2024, the City entered into a Legal Services Agreement with Richards Watson & Gershon ("RWG") to provide assistance to the City Attorney on general municipal law advisory and transactional matters in the amount of $125,000.
On April 15, 2024, the City and RWG entered into a First Amendment to Agreement for additional funding in the amount of $70,000. This Amendment increased the not to exceed amount of the Agreement from $125,000 to $195,000.
On June 16, 2025, the City and RWG entered into a Second Amendment to Agreement for additional funding in the amount of $36,000. This Amen...
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