HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 08 11 Regular G City Labor Attorney's Fees
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM G
Consent
Informational
Public Hearing
Regular X
August 11. 2003
Regular Meeting
p-
Mgr. 1 Dept.
Authorization
REQUEST:
The City Manager requesting Commission consideration of City Labor Attorney's
request for increase in fees,
PURPOSE:
This Agenda Item is needed to advise the City Commission to consider the City Labor
Attorney's request for an increase in fees,
CONSIDERATIONS:
The city is currently compensating the City Labor Attorney at an hourly rate of $l30, As
discussed in the attached letter, Mr, Mandel is advising the Commission of an increase in
hourly rates from $130 to $150 per hour.
Based upon my discussions with Mr. Mandel, the rate does not appear to be negotiable,
I don't believe changing labor attorneys at this time would be a wise decision,
FUNDING:
It is difficult to assess the impact on our budget since it is all but impossible to predict the
amount of services that will be required next year. Thus, I don't believe there is any
reason to increase the $l 0,000 budgeted in the FY04 budget at this time,
U:\Docs\ Word\AGENDA \2003 Agendas\Augusl 03\081103_ Regular _ G _Labor _ Alloreny Jee_ [ncrease,doc
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Commission approve an increase in the City Labor
Attorney's hourly rate from $l30 to $150 per hour.
ATTACHMENT:
Labor Attorney Letter of July ll, 2003
COMMISSION ACTION:
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MUlLER MJ[NTZ
David V, Kornreich>
Michael W, Casey, III>
James C. Crosland>
James S. Bramnick>
Gordon D. Rogers>
Carmen S. Johnson>
Jeffrey E. Mandel>
Denise M. Heekin>
Paul T. Ryder, Jr.*
Benton N, Wood>
Marlene Quintana Morales>
David C. Miller
Jenna Rinehart Rassif>
Debra M. Lubkin>
Christi A. Shelton
Leslie Miller Tomczak
David A. Young
lIana K, Green
J, Michael Marshall
Erik A. Nelson
Lelenia Corinne Evans
Of Counsel
Kelly Cheary Sulzberger
Ray C. Muller (1924-1977)
Herbert B. Mintz (1924-1993)
Joseph A. Caldwell (1923-1996)
'Board Certified In Labor and Employment Law
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEYS
July ll, 2003
Mr. Ron McLemore
City Manager
City of Winter Springs
l126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 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 to $l50, Last year, we raised our Central Florida public sector rates only minimally with the hope that
we could continue to provide labor and employment law services to our public sector clients at below market
rates (as we have done for many years), Unfortunately, this did not work as we are simply unable to offset
our operating costs - 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 $l50 per hour, we would still be below the hourly rates being
charged by labor and employment attorneys representing other Central Florida public jurisdictions (e,g"
Winter Park -- $l85, Apopka -- $200),
If such meets with the City's approval, we propose to implement the new rate with the
commencement of the upcoming fiscal year (October 1,2003,)
We have greatly enjoyed working with you and your staff and look forward to continuing our
relationship for many more years,
Very truly yours,
f}~
Jeffrey E. Mandel
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Please reply to Orlando Pffice:
Muller Mintz, P.A.
Suite 1525 255 South Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 Telephone 407-843-1400 Facsimile 407-843-1410
Suite 3600 200 South Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33131 Miami 305-358-5500 Broward 954-522-0393 Facsimile 305-379-3802
www.mullermintz.com