Laserfiche WebLink
LEGAL DEPARTMENT <br /> Program Description <br /> The activities of the City of Decatur Legal Department are focused on prosecuting and <br /> defending the City in all claims or actions of any nature by or against the City, <br /> representing and advising the City Council, Boards and Commissions of the City, the <br /> City Manager, City officers and employees on matters pertaining to City affairs, <br /> preparing and/or approving all contracts, leases, real estate documents on behalf of the <br /> City, and other legal matters as arise. The Legal Department is a General Fund <br /> supported municipal service. <br /> Staffing <br /> The Legal Department employs seven full time staff consisting of three licensed <br /> attorneys, one legal assistant and three legal secretaries. <br /> Budget Highlights <br /> The proposed staffing, training, and resource levels of the Legal Department in FY2026 <br /> are identical to those of the previous fiscal years. There are no significant highlights, <br /> additions, or deletions proposed for this fiscal year. <br /> Performance Outcomes <br /> The use of quantifiable performance outcomes is being added to the budget because <br /> approval of the annual budget is an important mechanism for effecting change in <br /> service outcomes. <br /> Performance outcomes for the Legal Department include: <br /> 1. The percentage of administrative cases decided in favor of the City in <br /> Administrative Court. <br /> a. FY2025 performance measures, the percentage of administrative cases <br /> decided in favor of the City in Administrative Court to date is similar to <br /> previous years at above ninety (90) percent. While that may seem high, it <br /> is important to remember that there are multiple reviews prior to filing by <br /> the departments involved in enforcement activities. <br /> 2. The cost per case of those filed in the Administrative Court system. <br /> a. The cost per case of those cases filed in the Administrative Court system is <br /> also relatively consistent with previous years at approximately sixty (60) <br /> dollarsP er case. <br /> b. There are variables not included, such as the vehicle costs of inspectors, <br /> IT troubleshooting, and set up costs. <br /> 3. The rate of final case disposition for revitalization litigations initiated by the City <br /> remains at one hundred percent. <br /> 36 <br />