Title
County Counsel recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Budget Transfer transferring $100,000 from the General Fund Contingency to County Counsel's budget for contracted legal services. (4/5 vote required) (Cont. 2/11/14, Item 21)
FUNDING: General Fund (No Federal Funds).
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY:
Total Estimated Cost…………… $100,000
Budget - Current FY……………
Budget - Future FY………………
New Funding…………………….
Savings…………………………
Other…………………………… $100,000 (GF Contingency)
Total Funding Available………… $100,000
Change To Net County Cost…… $100,000
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost
This budget transfer will result in an increase in Net County Cost of $100,000 in County Counsel's budget. Department 15 General Fund Contingency will be reduced by $100,000.
Background
County Counsel may at times need to contract with outside counsel in relation to County matters or trials. The retention of outside law firms is done with Board approval. County Counsel currently has contracts with several law firms to handle ongoing legal matters of various types. Many of the legal issues that arise in a year cannot be predicted in advance and the amount of legal work is equally unpredictable because of the inherent vagaries of litigation.
Reason for Recommendation
County Counsel's FY 2013-2014 budget included $90,000 for outside counsel expenses in those areas where the Board has determined that the use of outside counsel is appropriate. These expenses are estimated at the beginning of the year and it is not possible to accurately predict the future cost of outside counsel needs in relation to County matters or trials.
This budget transfer from the General Fund Contingency is needed to pay expenses for several ongoing matters primarily in relation to conflicts of interest, Tribal County relations and bankruptcy cases. This additional amount is estimated to be sufficient to cover expenses projected through ...
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