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MEMORANDUM <br /> To: Mayor and City Council <br /> From: Richard Meyer and Mark Karney <br /> Re: Year End Report <br /> We have audited the last three years of legal expenses for the <br /> city. The actual amount billed each year for general civil and <br /> criminal prosecution were: <br /> 1990 $86,065.75 <br /> 1991 $77,960.00 <br /> The legal costs peaked at the highest point in 1989 - 1990 <br /> because of the development activity within the city and the <br /> increase in criminal prosecution. 1991 represents a more accurate <br /> reflection on annual costs and we believe the expenses can be <br /> reduced even further in 1992 . <br /> Assuming there is no increase in civil litigation in 1992 there are <br /> a number of factors that could help reduce legal costs even <br /> further: <br /> 1) The overall experience of the City Council members helps <br /> reduce litigation. <br /> 2) City staff has been excellent in anticipating problems <br /> and discussing them with us before they result in <br /> a lawsuit. <br /> 3) DWI and Domestic assault claims appear to be declining and <br /> the number of defendants requesting trials is diminishing. <br /> 4) Computerization of criminal forms. <br /> 5yUse_of LMCT attorneys to handle extraordinary <br /> litigation without the need to hire expensive outside <br /> council. <br /> Hopefully in 1992 there will be no increase in civil litigation, <br /> we can resolve the nuisance suits pending against the city and <br /> criminal trials will remain low. This will allow us to stay well <br /> below the projected budget for 1992 of $80,000 <br /> Richard Meyer <br /> Mark A. Karney <br />