HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 10 10 Consent 211 Labor Council
City of Winter Springs
Commission Meeting October 10, 2005
Consent Agenda Item 21 I Hourly Rate Increase
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COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 211
Consent X
Informational
Public Hearing
Regular
October 10. 2005
Regular Meeting
Mgr. /V~ Dept.
Authorization
REQUEST: The City Manager requesting the City Commission to approve labor council
Akerman and Senterfitt rate increases.
PURPOSE: This agenda item is needed for the City Commission to determine if it desires to
approve new rate increases announced by Akerman and Senterfitt the City's labor attorneys or to
seek proposals for new attorneys.
CONSIDERATIONS:
On September 13, 2005 the City received notice of Akerman and Senterfitt's hourly increase in
attorney fees raising current fees from $150 per hour to $190 per hour, effective October 1, 2005.
Akerman and Senterfitt have been extremely effective in assisting the City in the management of
its labor affairs including a recent victory in an appeals case that had important state-wide
management rights implications.
It is doubtful that the City could find another equally qualified firm for less money.
FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06
Actual Actual Actual Actual Bud2et
20,142 45,659 13,568 10,161 10,000
FUNDING:
As noted above $10,000 is budgeted in the FY06 budget for labor attorney fees.
City of Winter Springs
Commission Meeting October 10, 2005
Consent Agenda Item 211 Hourly Rate Increase
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RECOMMENDATION:
Based upon Akerman and Senterfitt's recent history with the City, and comparative rates in the
market place it is recommended that the Commission retain Akerman and Senterfitt as the City's
labor council at an hourly rate of $190 per hour.
A TT ACHMENT:
September 13, 2005 Akerman and Senterfitt Letter of Notice of Increase
COMMISSION ACTION:
Fort Lauderdale
Jacksonville
Miami
Orlando
Tallahassee
Tampa
Washington, DC
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CITY OF WINTER ::>PRINGS
City Manager
Senterfitt
RECEIVED
SEP 1 4 2005
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Citrus Center, 17th Floor
255 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801-3483
Post Office Box 231 mail
Orlando, Florida 32802-0231
www.akerman.com
407 843 7860 tel 407 843 6610 fax
September 13, 2005
Mr. Ron McLemore
City Manager
City of Winter Springs
1126 E. State Road 434
Winter Springs, FL 32708
Re: Labor and Employment Law Services
Dear Ron:
After considerable review and analysis, we have determined that it is necessary to raise
our hourly rate for labor and employment law services to $190. We have always strived to
provide these services to our public sector clients at the lowest possible (and often below market)
rates. Unfortunately, we are unable to offset our operating costs at our current hourly rate -
particularly, the costs associated with hiring and retaining the best labor and employment law
attorneys (including many who are Board Certified).
Our research indicates that even at $190 per hour, we would still be below the hourly
rates being charged by labor and employment attorneys representing other Central Florida public
jurisdictions, most of whom are charging in excess of$200 per hour.
If such meets with the City's approval, we propose to implement the new rate with the
commencement of the upcoming fiscal year (October 1,2005).
We have always enjoyed working with you and the City and look forward to continuing
our relationship for many more years.
{OR930757;1}