Title
Adopt an ordinance amending the County Code by:
a. Adding Chapter 2.21 to set forth more specifically the role and duties of the County Counsel and the Office of the County Counsel;
b. Amending Chapter 2.32 to authorize the District Attorney, Public Defender, and County Counsel to engage independent contractors for expert, legal, and other services where the aggregate cost does not exceed $100,000 if certain budgetary conditions are met, and clarifying the exceptions to the County Purchasing Agent's authority to engage independent contractors, specifically excepting contracts for legal services and certain other specified types of services; and
c. Amending Chapter 5.16 to clarify the process of filing claims, the settlement of claims and litigation, and the procurement of insurance.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt an ordinance amending the County Code by: 1) adding Chapter 2.21 to set forth more specifically the role and duties of the County Counsel and the Office of the County Counsel; 2) amending Chapter 2.32 to authorize the District Attorney, Public Defender, and County Counsel to engage independent contractors for expert, legal, and other services where the aggregate cost does not exceed $100,000 if certain budgetary conditions are met, and clarifying the exceptions to the County Purchasing Agent's authority to engage independent contractors, specifically excepting contracts for legal services and certain other specified types of services; and 3) amending Chapter 5.16 to clarify the process of filing claims, the settlement of claims and litigation, and the procurement of insurance.
SUMMARY:
Consistent with state law, the County has chosen to employ the services of a County Counsel rather than rely on the services of the District Attorney for legal advice and civil litigation. Every County in California does the same. The County Code has never been updated to specifically set forth the duties of the Cou...
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