Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes the City Attorney, on behalf of the Department of Human Resources, to modify and increase a special legal counsel agreement with the law firm Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur, LLP to provide legal representation pertaining to special legal services. The law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur, LLP has agreed to provide such representation.
The term of the original contract is from June 5, 2025 until such time as the need for outside legal counsel concludes or the parties mutually agree to terminate this contract, contingent on budgeted funds and approval of City Council. It is necessary to modify and increase the existing contract to allow for the additional funds to be added to the agreement.
Bid Waiver: It is in the City's best interest to waive competitive bidding because of the contractor's experience with the matters at hand and their expertise in this area of law.
1. Amount of additional funds: The total amount of additional funds needed for this contract modification is $75,000.00. The City of Columbus shall pay a blended rate of two hundred seventy-five dollars ($275.00) per hour for said services after the submittal of detailed invoices documenting the work performed.
2. Reason additional funds were not foreseen: The need for additional funds was unknown at the time of the original contract, which was $1.00 with an available $8,749.00 for services and an additional not to exceed amendment for $50,000.00 (PO522351) for representation pertaining to the Central Ohio Area Agency on Against and a Petition for Representation Election regarding the rank of Police Deputy Chiefs filed with the State Employment Relations Board.
3. Reason other procurement processes were not used: This is a continuation of an agreement for legal services, and it is in the best interest of the City to continue with current representation due to the firm's experience with the matters at hand and their expertise.
4. How cost was ...
Click here for full text