To: Board of Supervisors
From: Thomas L. Geiger, County Counsel
Report Title: Legal Services Agreement Between the County and the Housing Authority.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the County Counsel and the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa to execute a legal services agreement between the Housing Authority and the County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
In fiscal year 2026-27, the County will bill the Housing Authority at the following rates: Assistant County Counsel, $265.52/hr.; Deputy County Counsel, $214.63/hr. - $234.29/hr.; Legal Assistant, $83.18/hr The rates may be adjusted annually by the County on written notice to the Housing Authority.
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa County, through the County Counsel’s Office, provides legal services to the Housing Authority as authorized by Health and Safety Code section 34279. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has indicated that the Housing Authority should memorialize this arrangement between the County and the Housing Authority in an agreement for legal services. Under the agreement, the County Counsel’s Office will continue to provide legal services to the Housing Authority on an ongoing basis unless the agreement is terminated by either party on 30 days’ advance written notice. The rates are specified above, and may be adjusted annually if the County Counsel’s Office gives the Housing Authority at least 30 days' advance written notice of any adjustment.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County Counsel’s Office will continue to provide legal services to the Housing Authority without a written agreement.