Agreement to Provide Legal Services to Sonoma Clean Power

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors is asked to authorize the County Counsel to enter into a legal services agreement with Sonoma Clean Power Authority (SCP) for as-needed legal services. The agreement is for a maximum of $100,000 and will run through December 31, 2028. The County Counsel's office will provide general public agency legal services, including research, advice, and preparation of legal documents, but not litigation services. SCP will reimburse the County for the fully loaded hourly rate of counsel time and any direct expenses incurred, ensuring no cost to the County's general fund. The agreement also includes a delegation of authority for the County Counsel to enter into future agreements with SCP, contingent on cost recovery and available capacity. A key aspect of the agreement is a General Waiver of Potential Conflicts (Exhibit A and B), acknowledging that the County Counsel represents multiple public entities, including SCP, and that potential conflicts may arise. SCP agrees to waive any such conflicts and not disqualify the County Counsel from representing the County or other related public entities.