Laserfiche WebLink
• <br />To: Mayor and City Council <br />From: Richard Meyer and Mark Rarney <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 />1989 $85,662.50 <br />1990 $86,065.75. <br />1991 $77,960.00 <br />• <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 />Z) 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 />5) Use 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. Rarney <br />