title
Jacob T. Rodgers V. William Stormant, and City of Gainesville, d/b/a Gainesville Regional Utilities; Eighth Judicial Circuit, Case No. 2016-CA-659 (NB)
recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Attorney to continue with the retention of the services of Holland & Knight to act as special counsel in providing legal counsel in the case styled Jacob T. Rodgers v. William Stormant, and City of Gainesville, d/b/a Gainesville Regional Utilities; Eighth Judicial Circuit, Case No. 2016-CA-659.
explanation
On October 18, 2019, the Office of the City Attorney retained the law firm of Holland & Knight to represent the City in connection with the above-referenced lawsuit and to advocate on the City's behalf with respect to any claims bill filed with the Legislature arising from any adverse judgment in connection with the lawsuit. The lawsuit is unique to the City in that it concerns an automobile accident resulting in catastrophic injuries, wherein the Plaintiff has indicated that he will seek a legislative claims bill for damages well in excess of the statutory sovereign immunity cap of $200,000. The City does not maintain a policy of insurance to cover such losses. Attorney's fees are expected to exceed the Charter Officer spending authority of $100,000 by an additional $375,000 through trial.
fiscal impact
Funds are available the City's General Insurance Fund.