Messer low bidder on city attorney contract

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

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Author: Rick Outzen

Rick Outzen is the publisher/owner of Pensacola Inweekly. He has been profiled in The New York Times and featured in several True Crime documentaries. Rick also is the author of the award-winning Walker Holmes thrillers. His latest nonfiction book is “Right Idea, Right Time: The Fight for Pensacola’s Maritime Park.”