Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the City Attorney to modify and increase an existing contract with the law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, an Ohio limited liability partnership, for legal services relative to issues related to the Department of Public Utilities’ PFAS Action Plan development as set forth in the Scope of Services. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $75,000.00.
The term of this contract is from the date of execution until such time as the need for outside legal counsel concludes or the parties mutually agree to terminate this Contract. The contract amount authorized under the original contract was $20,000.00.
Ordinance 1201-2023 authorized the first modification, adding funding of $255,000.00.
Ordinance 1134-2024 authorized the second modification, adding funding of $55,000.00.
Ordinance 0857-2025 authorized the third modification, adding funding of $191,000.00.
This Ordinance authorizes the fourth modification, adding funding of $75,000.00, and is being submitted in accordance with the relevant provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be requested.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification #4 is $75,000.00. City of Columbus shall pay a blended rate of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per hour for said services after the submittal of detailed invoices documenting the work performed. Total contract amount including this modification is $596,000.00.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds was known, expected and budgeted for.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: The project was a second contract with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and their employee legal expert Erica Spitzig who is a leading expert in the field of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their relation to water. She speaks at national water conferences on legal considerations of the forthcoming federal regulations of PFAS.
4. How was cost determined: The cost is based upon estimated requirements for 2026 and a vendor quote for those requirements.
Principal Party:
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
41 S High St., Suite 1800
Columbus, OH 43215
Erica Spitzig, (513) 357-9310
Contract compliance 039718
Expiration Date: PENDING UPDATE
Fiscal Impact: $75,000.00 is available from within the Public Utilities Operating Funds to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
$161,798.86 was spent in 2025
$149,987.29 was spent in 2024
Title
To authorize the City Attorney, on behalf of the Director of Public Utilities to modify an existing contract with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for special legal counsel services; to waive competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code; and to authorize the expenditure of $75,000.00 split between the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds. ($75,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the City Attorney’s Office, on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities, to modify an existing contract with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for PFAS special legal counsel services; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1201-2023 authorized a contract modification to add $255,000.00 in additional funding; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1134-2024 authorized a contract modification to add $55,000.00 in additional funding; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 0857-2025 authorized a contract modification to add $191,000.00 in additional funding; and
WHEREAS, due to Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP attorney, Erica Spitzig’s subject matter expertise in the field of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their relation to water, it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $75,000.00 from the Public Utilities Operating Fund, split among the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to authorize the City of Columbus’ Attorney’s office, to modify an existing agreement with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for special legal counsel services, on behalf of the Department of Public Utilities; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Attorney, on behalf of the Director of the Department of Public Utilities, is hereby authorized to modify an existing contract with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for special legal counsel services. The amount being authorized by this ordinance is $75,000.00.
SECTION 2. That due to Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP’s attorney Erica Spitzig's subject matter expertise, it is in the City's best interest to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code, Chapter 329.
SECTION 3. That this modification No. 4 is in accordance with the relevant provisions of City Code, Chapter 329, relating to contract modifications and renewals.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $75,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and is hereby authorized in object class 03 Services, split among the Water, Electricity, Stormwater, and Sanitary Sewer Operating Funds, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.