Report Prepared by: Brian Doyle, Interim City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a First Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services with Hanson Bridgett, LLP, in an Amount not to Exceed $100,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a First Amendment to an Agreement for legal services with Hanson Bridgett, LLP in an amount not to exceed $100,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a First Amendment to an Agreement for Professional Services with Hanson Bridgett LLP in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or the Deputy 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 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
In July 2023, the City entered into an agreement for professional services with the law firm of Hanson Bridgett, LLP for legal services in support of the City Attorney’s department. The initial budget allocation was $36,000. Although the department has 3 attorney FTE’s in the FY 23-24 budget, the City Attorney position is the only one filled at the current time.
This allocation has been sufficient to cover legal services thus far. However, additional funding in the amount of $64,000 is necessary for continuing legal services in support of the City Attorney’s department until the department is fully staffed in FY 23-24. This amendment will increase the not-to-exceed contracted amount from $36,000 to $100,000.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available within the City Attorney’s current fiscal year operating budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First Amendment for Professional Services
2. Agreement for Legal Services