Troy Law Firm Could Take Over City's Legal Services at a Much Lower Cost
As you may recall in a previous article that the outsourcing of the Troy Legal Department could save the city significantly. Recently we also indicated that Taylor and Port Huron had already moved for privatization adding to a long list of cities that have already done so. You may also recall that the city in closest demographics has a legal budget of $750,000 while Troy's Law Department boasts a $1.2 million dollar budget.
While reading about these other cities a familiar name emerged. A prominent law firm in Troy, McGraw and Morris. Here is a link to their website. McGraw and Morris
The firm has municipal government experience and is a city business. The current legal budget by comparison prior to any cuts is approximately $500,000 too high and should have been capped at $750,000 years ago. If one we to pare that budget to parity with the comparable cities it would provide a cost savings of $500,000 immediately. Now factor in the 40% additional projected savings in the Szerlag report and our legal budget should currently be in the $450,000 - $550,000 range for a total annual savings of approximately $700,000.
The city would eliminate the pension costs of these in house employees, obtain specialized legal advice instead of generalist attorneys currently employed in house, and forgo all legacy costs of in house personnel. This one change could cure a decent portion of the annual budget shortfall.
To make the situation more appealing, McGraw and Morris provided an hourly rate of $125 / hour to Taylor. This rate is highly appealing and from a city business. What better way to solve the budget crisis and help area businesses that provide stability to the city. If this city had responsible, focus based representation, we could eliminate the senseless waste that exists in our current legal approach and mindset employed by in house personnel. Currently in house personnel justify their positions by fighting lawsuits regardless of merit in many cases. Outside counsel would provide better legal advice in an objective manner at a much better price.
While reading about these other cities a familiar name emerged. A prominent law firm in Troy, McGraw and Morris. Here is a link to their website. McGraw and Morris
The firm has municipal government experience and is a city business. The current legal budget by comparison prior to any cuts is approximately $500,000 too high and should have been capped at $750,000 years ago. If one we to pare that budget to parity with the comparable cities it would provide a cost savings of $500,000 immediately. Now factor in the 40% additional projected savings in the Szerlag report and our legal budget should currently be in the $450,000 - $550,000 range for a total annual savings of approximately $700,000.
The city would eliminate the pension costs of these in house employees, obtain specialized legal advice instead of generalist attorneys currently employed in house, and forgo all legacy costs of in house personnel. This one change could cure a decent portion of the annual budget shortfall.
To make the situation more appealing, McGraw and Morris provided an hourly rate of $125 / hour to Taylor. This rate is highly appealing and from a city business. What better way to solve the budget crisis and help area businesses that provide stability to the city. If this city had responsible, focus based representation, we could eliminate the senseless waste that exists in our current legal approach and mindset employed by in house personnel. Currently in house personnel justify their positions by fighting lawsuits regardless of merit in many cases. Outside counsel would provide better legal advice in an objective manner at a much better price.
Posted by InfoSource at 3/18/2010 11:20 AM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: City of Troy Lori Bluhm Troy City Attorney McGraw and Morris Troy Budget Options
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: City of Troy Lori Bluhm Troy City Attorney McGraw and Morris Troy Budget Options
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