SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve renewal of worker's compensation agreement with the law firm of Banker Lopez Gassler and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Since 2008, attorney Mark Hungate with the law firm of Banker Lopez Gassler (BLG) has represented the City in worker's compensation proceedings. Mr. Hungate's services continue to prove cost-effective for taxpayers and have resulted in a high degree of client satisfaction from Risk Management's perspective and that of the City Attorney's Office. For those reasons, the City Attorney proposes a two-year renewal with Mr. Hungate and BLG with hourly billing, beginning January 2026 and concluding at the end of 2027, for the rates attached to this agenda item and recommends approving this engagement with a not-to-exceed appropriation of $500,000.
Around the conclusion of this two-year term, Mr. Hungate may reach the conclusion of his full-time role at BLG. As that date approaches, the City Attorney will likely recommend a formal request for proposals (RFP) to select the City's next worker's compensation law firm.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
5907590-545800