Jim Messer’s law firm is being recommended by Mayor Ashton Hayward to become the city attorney, moving him from interim status. He is the low bidder. Only two other firms bid–Beggs & Lane and Litvak, Beasley & Wilson. Messer’s monthly retainer is $12,500, plus the incumbent staff would be retained which brings the monthly total to $23,551.73 per month. Beggs & Lane’s retainer was $30,000 minimum to $50,000 max. Litvak Beasly & Wilson – $37,500.
Messer’s $12,500 (total $150,000 annually) is also significantly less than his predecessor Rusty Wells cost the city– $205,202.21 annually.
William D. Wells
SALARY AND BENEFITS ANALYSIS
ANNUAL SALARY 155,147.20
FRS 22,604.92
HEALTH INSURANCE 13,336.18
DENTAL INSURANCE 632.32
LIFE INSURANCE 61.36
Medicare 2,249.63
Social Security 9,619.13
SURVIVOR/ DISABILITY INSURANCE 1,551.47
Total Salary & Benefits: 205,202.21
Here are the bids: rfi-11029-CityAttorney_tabpricing
Popularity: 2% [?]
Independent News
Kudos to James for calling out Ms. Mack and Meyers, don’t necessarily agree about CJ Lewis. He at least takes the time to explain and substantiate his facts.
I read Ms. Deweese is running again, stating there is more work to be done for the citizens of her district, after she and The Weasel said they can’t wait for her to return to being a mommy full-time.
She’s taking a playbook from many politicians, Obama included, I don’t want to embarrass myself anymore or I haven’t acheived the goals I promised, but the citizens need my representation, so begrudgingly I’ll stay.
Diane
Please stop trying to distort the facts in order to serve your agenda of discrediting our new Mayor and his staff. I think we are all growing weary of the pettiness exhibited by you, CJ Lewis and Sherry Myers (who is shaping up to be another 1 term wonder just like you). Whether you lik it or not, Team Hayward is moving this city forward at a rate that exceeds all prior expectations. There is a big difference between petty sniping and acting as a watchdog over city government.
Diane,
According to the 2012 approved budget, the actual FY 2010 Legal Personal Services–under Mr. Wells– was $478,217. His net budget after allocation of overhead for 2010: $316,600. The FY 2012–which may or may not be under Messer beyond the first quarter of the fiscal year– is $22783 more for Personal Services, of which $14,052 (61%) is group insurance increases. The net budget for 2012 is $315,800.
And any litigation work is billed separately at $245 an hour — on top of the contract rate.
Ah, but what is the whole story (and history) of the City’s budget for the City Attorney’s office/personal services?
Budget for FY 2008 before Mr. Wells became City Attorney: $ 709,097
FY 2009 budget under Mr. Wells: $ 475,772
FY 2010 budget under Mr. Wells: $ 432,500
FY 2011 budget during government transition: $ 439,900
FY 2012 budget for Mr. Messer et al: $ 501,000