Law
City of Somerville FY21 Budget
Mission Statement
To provide high-quality, cost-effective legal services to the Mayor, City Council, Department Heads, Boards, Commissions, and other municipal employees. The Law Department strives to successfully prosecute and defend actions before state and federal courts and administrative agencies, provide well-reasoned, timely legal opinions, draft legislation, draft and review contracts, advocate for the City in matters before the state legislature, and facilitate the lawful implementation of programs, technologies, and best practices.
Changes from FY20
Overall, Ordinary Maintenance is proposed 7.1% lower than FY20. This is due to foregoing and reducing certain day-to-day law office expenses as well as a reduction in the set off for outside legal counsel, as set forth hereafter:
R & M Office Equipment - $400 – 100% - As we have a service contract on the photocopier/scanner/fax machine and IT maintains computers/internet service, there is nominal risk;
Legal Services - $30,000 – 6% - this line is a good faith projection of reasonably anticipated and potential expenses;
Postage - $300 – 75% - less postage required in recent years apparently due to increase in electronic filings and transfer of documents;
Photocopying - $150 – 75% - increase in digital photography and electronic transfers has decreased need for photography expenses;
Office Equipment - $1,750 – 88% - intend to work with existing office equipment;
Office Furniture - $5,000 – 100% - will do with existing decades-old furniture.
In State Travel - $2,500 – 63% - we anticipate less need to travel to and from courts, hearings, etc. due to use of remote participation.
In State Conferences – $1,250 – 63% - reduced participation in continuing education programs.
Overall, Personal Services is proposed 2.9% lower than FY20. This is due to the elimination of the temporary salary line from which law interns were paid a $15.00/hour stipend.