Narrative of Resolution:
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Authorize Engagement letter with Harris Beach Murtha Cullina, PLLC
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RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY NADIA RAJSZ,CHAIR OF THE SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE, LUIS ALVAREZ, DISTRICT 6 LEGISLATOR, NICHOLAS SALOMONE, DISTRICT 4 LEGISLATOR, JOSEPH PERRELLO, DISTRICT 7 LEGISLATOR, BRIAN MCPHILLIPS, DISTRICT 3 LEGISLATOR, AND AMANDA WARD, DISTRICT 8 LEGISLATOR TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LEGISLATURE AND OR THE COUNTY MANAGER TO SIGN AN ENGAGEMENT LETTER WITH HARRIS BEACH MURTHA CULLINA PLLC, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH A LITIGATION MATTER
WHEREAS, the County and the County Manager are parties to a litigation matter; and
WHEREAS, the County Legislature has determined that the engagement of outside counsel for both the County and the County Manager is reasonable and necessary to advise and represent the County and the County Manager independently in connection with the litigation matter; and
WHEREAS, the County Attorney, has determined that the law firm of Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC is best positioned to provide legal services and represent local interests during anticipated proceedings based on the Firm’s prior litigation and appellate experience and expertise; and
WHEREAS, the County Manager has determined that the law firm of Mackey Catania & Whalen, LLP is best positioned to provide legal services and represent his interests during anticipated proceedings; and
WHEREAS, Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC requires the County and the County Manager to execute an Engagement Letter for legal services in connection with the litigation matter; and
WHEREAS, Mackey Catania & Whalen, LLP requires that the County Manager to execute an Engagement Letter for legal services in connection with the litigation matter; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Engagement Letters, the Firms shall bill the County for legal services at an hourly rate in accordance with the Firm’s standard terms of engagement for legal services, the terms of which are set forth therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature authorizes the Chairman of the Legislature and or the County Manager to sign the Engagement Letters with the Firms, effective October 30, 2026, in such form as the County Attorney shall approve; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that payments to the Firm shall be in accordance with the Engagement Letter; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County shall not be obligated to pay expenses beyond those fully covered by the Engagement Letter unless appropriate authorizations are secured from the County Legislature.