The Port Richey City Council authorized staff to issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking either a law firm or an individual to serve as city attorney. The motion followed council discussion about the incumbent’s unwillingness to alter renewal contract terms and examples of alternative fee structures used by other municipalities.

City attorney Nancy Mayer and staff briefed the council on the background: the incumbent (identified in staff materials as Perez Biagno) declined to change renewal contract terms. Councilmembers discussed options including issuing an RFP, soliciting proposals from both firms and individuals, and allowing the incumbent to continue month-to-month while a competitive process is conducted. Several councilmembers said an RFP is the preferred route to obtain comparative price and service information.

Staff described an expected timeline: advertise the RFP (public notice and city paper) with a 30-day response window, review submittals, invite finalists to present, and return to council for selection. The council passed the motion to proceed with the RFP by voice vote. Staff noted practical constraints such as lobbying rules once an RFP is issued and that staff can accept inquiries for clarifying information during the procurement period.

Council action: authorized staff to publish an RFP for city attorney services (firms and/or individuals) with a planned 30-day advertisement window; incumbent attorney may continue month-to-month pending selection.