Agenda Item Name:
Title
County Attorney requests appointment of a special attorney (outside counsel) regarding Employment-Based Visas End
Presenter:
Courtney Wilson
Description:
The County Attorney wishes to retain special attorney Laura Cabrera to provide legal services to the BoCC to map out the policy process, cost and timeline regarding Employment-Based Visas (U.S. H-1B Visa). Pursuant to Section 31.42, Alachua County Code (Special Attorneys), the Board of County Commissioners must appoint special attorneys.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Authorize the County Attorney to retain special attorney Laura Cabrera to provide legal service to the BoCC regarding Employment-Based Visas.
End
Prior Board Motions:
At the BoCC's meeting on December 10, 2019, Commissioner Cornell moved to direct staff to create a policy for the Board to adopt and direct staff to expedite the matters with the two employees in Information Technology. The motion carried 4-0.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Contract is within the County Manager's authority to enter.
The fees applicable to Step 1 of the process are as follows:
a. Legal Fee: $900 flat fee (per beneficiary)
b. USCIS Fee: $10 registration fee (per beneficiary)
The fees applicable to Step 2 of the process are as follows:
a. Legal Fee: $2100 flat fee (per beneficiary) (+$250 for premium processing, if desired)
b. USCIS Fee: $460 (base fee);
$500 (anti-fraud fee);
$750 - 25 or fewer full-time staff/$1500 - 26 or more full time staff (AICWA
fee)
$1440 Premium Processing (optional, if available)
As of 1/6/2020, there is $1,000 for attorney fees in the Human Resources budget and $12,125 remains for outside attorney fees in the County Attorney's budget, but this is shared with other attorneys hired for specific topics. There is also $50,000 budgeted in Special Expense for attorney fees, though $22,000 has already been spent ...
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