Page 80 - Fort Worth City Budget 2019

General Fund

averages 120 open cases throughout the year. Outside attorney fees costs were at a six year low.

• Succeeded in obtaining a pre-trial dismissal of three federal lawsuits alleging race discrimination,
harassment, hostile work environment, and retaliation in which the city’s exposure could have
exceeded $2,200,000. Dismissal of these cases supports the city’s goal of ensuring long-term
financial health and stewardship.

• Completed the funding and lease infrastructure agreements, venue tax ordinances, and bond
documents related to the multi-purpose arena project; reimbursement agreement, service and
assessment plans, assessment ordinance, the contract, and first-ever sale of bonds related to the
initial implementation of Capital Improvement Districts for Walsh Ranch and Rock Creek/Tarleton
State; the new Historic Tax Exemption Ordinance; obtained approval and successfully issued
multiple series of debt obligations and other financings, including tax notes, three series of Water
and Sewer bonds, and institution of an extendable commercial paper program as a cost-saving
liquidity-facility for the Water Department; the contract and closing on the sale of 350 Belknap to
Tarrant County; the new Health Care contracts (Clinic Plan, New Pharmacy Provider, Healthcare
Agreement with Fire Union); the Stockyards Development contracts (ECFA with Majestic for
Street/Sidewalk/Stormwater Improvements); the Hemphill-Lamar Connector Construction
Project; and the amendment to Section 2-9 of the City Code (Administrative Execution of
Contracts) to simplify the city’s contract process.

• Assisted in matters involving land use issues ranging from a resurgence of special districts in the
city’s Extra Territorial Jurisdiction; administrative and court proceedings regarding zoning and
platting issues; and completed acquisition of real estate, utility relocation, right-of-way
abandonment and rezoning, funding agreements, and construction agreements related to
construction of two new recreation/community centers.

FY2019 DISCUSSION

There are no significant changes in service level represented in the FY2019 Adopted Budget.

HORIZON ISSUES

The department continues to balance increasing demand for legal services with existing resources. This
balancing will continue to challenge the department in the future. The increased demand is highlighted
below.

Commercial and economic activity and public-private partnerships entered into by the city have increased.
The city has experienced increases in the areas of construction contracts and real estate transactions due
to the growth of the city and the implementation of the Capital Improvement Program. The
implementation of the two recently created capital Public Improvement Districts has required a
tremendous allocation of time and resources to an area in which none were previously required; that
trend is expected to continue for at least the next couple of fiscal years. In addition, a newly created
Tourism PID and the current proposal to create up to six additional operating PIDs increase demand for
legal resources.

The upward number of bills filed each legislative session also generates demand for legal review and
insight.

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