Item # 6 VAB Legal Counsel 07/30/2019 Item 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to re-affirm by resolution for Holly E. Cosby, Esq. to provide
Independent Legal Services for the Collier County Value Adjustment Board
for the 2019 VAB Tax Year.
OBJECTIVE: To re-affirm by resolution that Holly E. Cosby, Esq. will serve as independent
legal counsel for the County's Value Adjustment Board (VAB).
CONSIDERATIONS: Florida Statute 194.015 requires "the board shall appoint private counsel
who has practiced law for over 5 years and who shall receive such compensation as may be
established by the board. The private counsel may not represent the property appraiser, the tax
collector, any taxing authority, or any property owner in any administrative or judicial review of
property taxes. No meeting of the board shall take place unless counsel to the board is present.
Two-fifths of the expenses of the board shall be borne by the district school board and three-fifths
by the district county commission."
The negotiated contract agreement #17-7046 states that the Independent Legal Services for the
Value Adjustment Board of Collier County will be provided by Attorney Holly E. Cosby. The
contract provides that the applicant will be paid on an hourly basis at$225 per hour. The executed
contract is attached for your reference.
Staff recommends that the Board re-affirm by resolution the contract with Holly E. Cosby, P.A.
in providing "Independent Legal Services for Value Adjustment Board".
FISCAL IMPACT: The total all-inclusive cost for services under this agreement is estimated to
be approximately$12,000-$20,000 per annum. This cost is shared with the District School Board,
which by statute is responsible for two-fifths of these expenses. The County will pay these costs
and invoice the School Board for its respective share. These expenditures are included in the
operating budget in the General Fund (001), Other General Administrative cost center(103010).
RECOMMENDATION: To re-affirm by resolution the contract with Holly E. Cosby in
providing legal services to the VAB (per Agreement#17-7046).
Attachments
• 17-7046 Agreement
• VAB Resolution 2019-xx (Draft)