City Attorney

The City Attorney advises City officers in all legal matters pertaining to the business of the City. The department budget provides funds for legal services related to general City activities and for civil litigation in which the City is involved. City Attorney services are provided via a contract with a private law firm, Rutan and Tucker. The contract provides for a retainer of $4,200 per month for up to 60 hours of legal services with additional litigation billed at $145 per hour.

The department budget includes funds for retention of other attorneys when Rutan and Tucker has a conflict of interest or when specialized expertise is necessary. It also includes funds to pay for the District Attorney to prosecute Municipal Code violations.