On Wednesday’s agenda, the law firm representing the
Lodi Board of Education submitted $18,608.95 in bills just for the months of
July and August.
I understand that many school issues require necessary
legal work. I also can spot completely unnecessary billing where no action was ever
taken and the ridiculous amount of research hours would not be necessary for
any attorney specializing in school law.
We have been through this one too many times.
With all the unnecessary “research” and billing for
items where no action was ever taken, I don’t know who assigned what or if
anyone used the firm without going through the proper channels.
Once again,
1) The
Lodi BOE hired Matthew Giacobbe as board attorney. Mark Wenczel is doing all the legal work and billing.
2) The
Lodi BOE was told that the $165/hour rate was negotiable. Robert Brown signed an agreement with the
firm without allowing the board to negotiate any terms.
3) Neither
the board president nor any member of the board was given an opportunity to see
the agreement or sign the agreement.
This firm did not deliver what it presented in
June. It is taking advantage of
Lodi. The public should expect ALL board
members to provide oversight and accountability.
