WATERLOO - Waterloo's city attorney has not received a fee increase for seven years.

That could change Monday when City Council members are expected to consider a proposal to boost the monthly retainer and hourly rate for legal services provided by Jim Walsh and his law firm, Clark, Butler, Walsh and Hamann.

The new contract terms, expected to take effect June 1, would increase Walsh's monthly retainer from $1,500 to $1,600 and increase the hourly rate for services provided by Walsh or attorneys in his firm from $95 to $115. The retainer covers short phone calls and consultations from city officials and includes attendance at regularly scheduled council meetings.

Walsh is not a city employee and receives no benefits on top of the contract payments. He has served as city attorney since 1991.

Mayor Tim Hurley supported the new payments, noting the contract terms were last changed in July 2002. He also said the city has enough money budgeted for the legal services contract based on an average of the last three years.

"Jim and his firm have always provided the highest quality of legal services to the city of Waterloo, and the city of Waterloo is fortunate to be able to rely on this firm and their legal expertise," Hurley said in a letter to council members.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Committee meetings include: Building and Grounds, 4:45 p.m.; Public Works, 4:50 p.m.; Public Safety, 4:55 p.m.; and Finance, 5 p.m.

Contact Tim Jamison at (319) 291-1577 or tim.jamison@wcfcourier.com.