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ITEM: OUTSIDE LEGAL FEES AND COSTS - JOHNSON ANSELMO MURDOCK BURKE PIPER & HOCHMAN, P.A.
REQUEST: Request for continued use of outside professional legal services to assist in matters relating to the Brefrank Quiet Title matter.
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EXPLANATION: The Village uses outside legal counsel to assist in matters that require specialized knowledge and skill. On October 15, 2025, the Village entered into an agreement with Johnson Anselmo Murdock Burke Piper & Hochman, P.A. relating to the Brefrank Quiet Title matter. To date, fees totaling $51,921.09 have been incurred. These outside legal expenses were anticipated and are part of the 2026 fiscal year legal budget. Pursuant to Wellington’s purchasing policy, legal expenses are exempt from competitive bidding requirements. However, individual expenditures for which the cumulative totals exceed $50,000 for any single project require Council approval.
Staff recommends approval of continued use of outside legal services provided by Johnson Anselmo Murdock Burke Piper & Hochman, P.A. in an amount up to $20,000 through September 30, 2026. Sufficient funds have been allocated in the legal budget for outside legal services to cover the costs of these expenditures. Brefrank will reimburse the Village 50% of the fees incurred at the conclusion of the litigation.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: NO
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL:
FIRST READING: SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: YES
FISCAL IMPACT: Sufficient funds have been allocated in the Legal Budget for outside legal services.
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Responsive Government
RECOMMENDATION: Request for continued use of outside professional legal services to assist in matters relating to the Brefrank Quiet Title matter.