RFP No. 25-006: Special Magistrate for the City of Port Richey

The City of Port Richey, Florida, invites qualified attorneys and attorney firms to submit a written proposal to provide special magistrate services in connection with its regular governing and operating activities. The successful firm will serve as a Special Magistrate for the City of Port Richey and be capable of presiding over all cases related to red light ticket court and code compliance cases. The scope of work includes conducting hearings, hearing arguments of counsel and the testimony of witnesses, reviewing evidence, making findings of fact, arriving at conclusions of law, and making rulings on Civil Law matters. • The Red Light Court (RLC) Magistrate hearings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. • The hearing consists of the magistrate, an agency representative, a hearing assistant/notary public for notetaking & swearing in, and the vehicle owners. • The magistrate addresses the room with the order of proceedings, explains options in lieu of the hearing, and proceeds with each violation, making a ruling and noting an appeal option. • Rulings are made and paperwork is completed during the hearing. • Coordinating with the Police Department staff on days of the hearings. The City requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in municipal law, and the ability to become Board Certified within two years. The successful firm will be selected based on their ability to meet the needs outlined in the scope of work and the competitive rates at which these services may be provided.