Municipal Judge Contract Services – Request for Proposals

Municipal Judge Contract Services – Request for ProposalsThe City of Florence is seeking proposals from qualified legal professionals to provide contracted Municipal Judge services for the Florence Municipal Court. The Judge presides over arraignments, hearings, trials, misdemeanor cases, code enforcement matters, and other duties outlined in Section 23 of the Florence City Charter. Proposers must meet minimum qualifications, including Oregon Bar membership and required background checks.Deadline: May 27, 2026 – 5:00 p.m. PST Details & Full RFP: https://www.ci.florence.or.us/bids.aspxContact: Angie Ott - document.write('muni.court'+'@'+'ci.florence.or.us') muni.court@ci.florence.or.us For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. | 541-997-3123IntroductionThe City of Florence is soliciting written proposals from qualified legal professionals to provide contracted Municipal Judge services. The Judge performs all judicial duties assigned under Section 23 of the Florence City Charter and other legally permissible functions as authorized by the City Council. The Municipal Court is a court of record serving as the City’s judicial branch, with jurisdiction over traffic violations, misdemeanor crimes, parking violations, and municipal code enforcement matters.The Municipal Court handles arraignments, trials, hearings, warrants, probation matters, and related court administration. Proceedings occur twice weekly, and the Judge works closely with City staff, law enforcement, the code enforcement team, and the public to ensure fair, accessible, and efficient justice.The full RFP document—including background, duties, minimum qualifications, evaluation criteria, and the draft Agreement—is available on the City’s website at https://www.ci.florence.or.us/bids.aspx.Scope of Work OverviewThe contracted Municipal Judge will be responsible for:Conducting arraignments, hearings, trials, jury trials, and probation proceedings.Issuing warrants, orders, and sanctions consistent with state law and City code.Reviewing court programs, fees, and processes; issuing administrative orders when needed.Coordinating with the Deputy Court Administrator, court staff, Police Department, Municipal Jail, and Code Enforcement.Maintaining membership in the Oregon Municipal Judges Association and completing required judicial training. Ensuring impartial, timely, and legally sound administration of the Municipal Court.Proposal SubmissionDeadline: Proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., May 27, 2026. Submission Method: Proposals may be mailed or hand-delivered to: Florence City HallAttn: Deputy Court Administrator Angie Ott250 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439Questions / Clarifications: All questions must be directed to: Angie OttEmail: document.write('muni.court'+'@'+'ci.florence.or.us') muni.court@ci.florence.or.us For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address.Phone: 541-997-3123Clarifications and addenda will be posted at https://www.ci.florence.or.us/bids.aspx.Required Proposal ContentsRespondents must include the following:Summary of qualifications, including legal experience, education, Oregon State Bar number, and eligibility under ORS 221.142.Description of municipal court or municipal law experience.Approach to providing Municipal Judge services.Judicial philosophy.Anticipated initiatives or projects for the court.Philosophy on administration of fines for first-time and repeat offenders.Two current letters of recommendation.Proposed compensation model (hourly, per-diem, or other).Minimum Qualifications• Minimum of three years of legal experience • Member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing • Qualified under ORS 221.142 • Ability to pass and maintain CJIS background check • Willingness to join the Oregon Municipal Judges Association within the City’s timelineEvaluation & SelectionA selection review team designated by the City Council will evaluate proposals based on: • Experience, background, and qualifications • Understanding of municipal legal requirements • Approach and completeness of proposal • Prior experience with local government legal work • Interpersonal and communication skills • Cost • Innovative approaches to court administration and code enforcementInterviews may be conducted with the Review Team, City staff, and the City Council. The City may select one, multiple, or no respondents. Final contract approval rests with the City Council.Reserved RightsThe City reserves the right to: • Extend the submission deadline • Reject any or all proposals • Waive irregularities • Request additional information • Negotiate services and cost with the highest-ranked proposer • Cancel the RFP at any time • Award any or all parts of any proposal