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ITEM: RESOLUTION NO. R2023-22 (OUTSIDE LEGAL FEES AND COSTS)
A RESOLUTION OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA'S COUNCIL AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023 GENERAL FUND LEGAL DEPARTMENT OPERATING BUDGET TO ALLOCATE UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE OF $80,000 FOR ADDITIONAL OUTSIDE LEGAL SERVICES AND RELATED EXPENSES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REQUEST: Approval of Resolution No. R2023-22 amending the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 General Fund Legal Department Operating Budget to allocate unassigned fund balance of $80,000.00 for additional outside legal services and related expenses.
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EXPLANATION: The Village retains outside law firms to assist with pending lawsuits and other areas in which special expertise is needed. Litigation related to several matters have generated fees in excess of the budgeted amount. In this fiscal year, fees totaling $92,615.16 have been incurred for Johnson Anselmo for representation in the Pine Tree, PR Raintree, Brefrank and Long Road litigation. In addition, we are utilizing the firm of Chane Soccaras for the Foreclosure action, with fees incurred in this fiscal year in the amount of $17,772.34, and Lehtinen Schultz for the Enforcement action, with fees incurred in this fiscal year in the amount of $53,142.16. Because of favorable rulings in most of these matters, we expect the costs for outside legal fees will be reduced in fiscal year 2024. Nevertheless, a budget amendment is necessary in order to meet expenses through the end of this fiscal year.
Staff recommends approval of continued use of outside legal services for multiple firms, including but not limited to Johnson Anselmo, Chane Soccaras and Lehtinen Schultz, in an amount up to $80,000.00 through September 30, 2023. Any unused funds will be carried over to the fiscal year 2023-24 budget.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: YES
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL:
FIRST READING: YES SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: A budget amendment o...
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