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City attorney hire may take longer than planned
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The search for a city attorney may take a little longer than planned, since the hiring committee, appointed by the Benson City Council, is now creating a list of questions for those selected to be interviewed.
Interim City Manager Glenn Nichols said the five-person committee has gone through the 11 bids submitted by law firms from all over Southern Arizona, and will be starting interviews soon.
Nichols said the committee, composed of council members Al Sacco, John Lodzinski, Jo Deen Boncquet, City Clerk Vicki Vivian, and resident Nick Maldonado, had been working on the list of questions to be asked during the interviews.
In the request for proposals, the city asked law firms to provide an estimate on how much they would charge for 40 hours a month, or 10 hours a week, and then an estimate on how much per hour they would charge if they exceed 40 hours.
Currently, City Attorney Thomas Benavidez is paid $6,000 a month for 10 hours a week. For extra time, the council approved $150 an hour.
Benavidez, who originally opted not to renew his contract, was hired in late 2007.
Benavidez, of the Benavidez Law Group, is among the 11 bidders for the contract. The economy was the main reason he decided to reapply.
"Half of my firm's business involves consumer-related representations like representing small businesses and individuals in various matters," he said. "This half of my business is down due to the economy. So, it didn't make business sense not to bid on the contract. Candidly, I would also point out that I have sensed greater harmony in the city over the past months, which makes the city more desirable to have as a client."
However, Benavidez is not the lowest bidder. Michael Masse, Cardiral and Statchel, Deborah Gronet and the Allred law group have the lowest proposals at $5,000 a month, and $125 per hour after 40. After 40 hours, Cardiral and Stachel's proposal said they would charge $175 an hour.
Benavidez's estimates are the same as his current contract at $6,000 for 40 hours, and $150 per hour after that.
The highest bid is $10,080 for 10 hours a week from Andrew Mcguire and Gust Rosenfeld. For extra hours, Mcguire will charge $252 an hour, and Rosenfeld will charge $292 an hour.
Vivian said the hiring committee met on April 1, and decided to interview four of the candidates. The candidates being interviewed on April 8, today, are the Rose Law Group, Michael Masse, the Benavidez Law Group and Curtis, Goodwin, Sullivan, Udall & Schwab.
Curtis, Goodwin, Sullivan, Udall & Schwab bid $6,600 a month at $160 per hour for extra time. The Rose Law Group bid $7,000 for 40 hours a month, and $175 an hour for extra time.
Benavidez will remain the city attorney until the council votes on the issue. Vivian said the hiring committee should have a recommendation to the council by April 27.
The search for a city attorney may take a little longer than planned, since the hiring committee, appointed by the Benson City Council, is now creating a list of questions for those selected to be interviewed.
Interim City Manager Glenn Nichols said the five-person committee has gone through the 11 bids submitted by law firms from all over Southern Arizona, and will be starting interviews soon.
Nichols said the committee, composed of council members Al Sacco, John Lodzinski, Jo Deen Boncquet, City Clerk Vicki Vivian, and resident Nick Maldonado, had been working on the list of questions to be asked during the interviews.
In the request for proposals, the city asked law firms to provide an estimate on how much they would charge for 40 hours a month, or 10 hours a week, and then an estimate on how much per hour they would charge if they exceed 40 hours.
Currently, City Attorney Thomas Benavidez is paid $6,000 a month for 10 hours a week. For extra time, the council approved $150 an hour.
Benavidez, who originally opted not to renew his contract, was hired in late 2007.
Benavidez, of the Benavidez Law Group, is among the 11 bidders for the contract. The economy was the main reason he decided to reapply.
"Half of my firm's business involves consumer-related representations like representing small businesses and individuals in various matters," he said. "This half of my business is down due to the economy. So, it didn't make business sense not to bid on the contract. Candidly, I would also point out that I have sensed greater harmony in the city over the past months, which makes the city more desirable to have as a client."
However, Benavidez is not the lowest bidder. Michael Masse, Cardiral and Statchel, Deborah Gronet and the Allred law group have the lowest proposals at $5,000 a month, and $125 per hour after 40. After 40 hours, Cardiral and Stachel's proposal said they would charge $175 an hour.
Benavidez's estimates are the same as his current contract at $6,000 for 40 hours, and $150 per hour after that.
The highest bid is $10,080 for 10 hours a week from Andrew Mcguire and Gust Rosenfeld. For extra hours, Mcguire will charge $252 an hour, and Rosenfeld will charge $292 an hour.
Vivian said the hiring committee met on April 1, and decided to interview four of the candidates. The candidates being interviewed on April 8, today, are the Rose Law Group, Michael Masse, the Benavidez Law Group and Curtis, Goodwin, Sullivan, Udall & Schwab.
Curtis, Goodwin, Sullivan, Udall & Schwab bid $6,600 a month at $160 per hour for extra time. The Rose Law Group bid $7,000 for 40 hours a month, and $175 an hour for extra time.
Benavidez will remain the city attorney until the council votes on the issue. Vivian said the hiring committee should have a recommendation to the council by April 27.
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