After more than two months without full-time legal counsel, the city of Anna Maria hired a city attorney.
At their March 12 special meeting, city commissioners reached a unanimous vote to hire Becky Vose, of Vose Law Firm in Winter Park.
“I appreciate the office you’ve given me,” said Vose. “I’m going to do a great job for you. I work hard.”
The new hire ended Ricinda Perry’s service as interim-city attorney.
“I’ve enjoyed my little season here in Anna Maria,” Perry said. “It’s been a blessing working here and I want to thank Mayor Murphy for making my job as easy as possible.”
Vose has been practicing city government law for more than 41 years and served as the city attorney for Winter Garden, Edgewood, Windermere, Oakland, Eagle Lake, Deltona, Longwood and St. Cloud.
She was the top choice among the six attorneys interviewed Feb. 24-25, by Murphy, and four panelists.
Based out of Winter Park, Vose and her son, attorney Wade Vose, impressed the interviewers with their tough stance on litigation. “You need to set a reputation,” said Wade Vose. “Once you’re known for being firm, people will leave you alone.”
Tough is what Murphy and the commissioners want.
When the interviews were finished and the panelists identified their top choices, Murphy said he wanted to talk to the Voses before making a recommendation to the commission. He also wanted to negotiate the terms of service before a vote.
When the Voses was interviewed, they offered two payment options: a monthly retainer of $7,500, with extra costs for litigation fees, or a flat $150 hourly rate.
After deliberation, Murphy decided the best course for payment was a retainer.
“They originally wanted a contract,” said Murphy, “but I was hesitant to give them one. With the changing legal atmosphere, we need to be flexible.”
Becky Vose accepted Murphy’s offer.
“I’ve worked with attorneys in the past and, in each experience, when there’s an hourly rate, people and commissioners are afraid to pick up the phone,” said Murphy. “We can’t have that here. I know the retainer is the best option for the city.”
Murphy said Vose would work on a “serve-at-will” basis. The first service agreement began March 13, and lasts for two months. The city will pay Vose $13,953 for those two months.
Travel between Anna Maria and the Vose’s office in Winter Park won’t be charged.
Also, any extra out-of-pocket expenses, including meals and lodging, will not be compensated by the city.
The commissioners each spoke with Vose either via Skype or phone.
The commissioners expressed confidence in Vose.
Commissioner Nancy Yetter was absent from the meeting. However, she was a panelist present for Vose’s initial interview and said Vose was her No. 1 choice.
At the special work session that followed the March 12 meeting, commissioners handed Vose two proposed ordinances that need attorney review: a draft stormwater utility management ordinance and a draft of a rental ordinance.
Vose said she’d immediately begin working on the ordinances.