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I feel that because of the nature of attorney-client relationship that exists that all future County Attorneys, as well as Assistant County Attorneys, be hired by the County by contract. Therefore, if the attorney-client relationship reaches a point where continuation of the relationship is not in the public interest the relationship may be terminated without resorting to termination for cause procedures and possible court appeals. The basics of the contract could provide for a continuing contract with an initial 9 months guarantee of employment and thereafter the continuing contract could be terminated with 30 days written notice by the BCC. The employee would be paid for any unused annual or sick leave and one month's severance pay for each year of service, up to a maximum of 9 to 12 months. A slightly different approach could be taken for the County Attorney's position. To attract high caliber applicants, the job could be placed in the "Senior Management Service Class" (Section 121.055, Florida Statutes). This class is a "position filled by an employee who is not subject to continuing contract and serves at the pleasure of the local agency employer without civil service protection...." This classification is very desirable from a retirement standpoint to the employee, and it still retains the ability to easily terminate the employee if that becomes necessary. Recommendation: Approve the procedures in paragraphs 2 and 5 and direct staff to begin the hiring process of an attorney who would be designated the County Attorney and to prepare an ordinance with an appropriate amendment to "Section 101.06. The County Attorney" of the Indian River County Code. To: FLORIDA BAR NEWS County Attorney. Indian River County Salary Range: $92,000 - $100,000 DOQ Applicant must be a member of The Florida Bar, have at least five years Florida County government attorney experience and have at least ten years Florida attorney experience. Preference will be given to attorneys who are Florida Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government Law. The County Attorney shall be responsible for the administration of the County Attorney's Office and staff. The office provides legal advice and representation to the Board of County Commissioners and staff. Experience should include litigation at administrative, trial, and appellate levels. Writing samples welcomed. Send resunfts to: Indian River County, Attn: Personnel Department at 1840 25" Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. EOE/AA February 15, 2000 71