Board gives staff direction to negotiate with Buchalter for tax counsel

Staff told trustees that the plan’s prior tax counsel contract expired June 30, 2025 and that staff had surveyed peer systems about their counsel providers and fees. Doris Richler said three firms commonly serve county retirement systems and recommended that staff reach out to Buchalter to negotiate a contract based on the plan’s needs and client references.

Trustees discussed whether to require the proposed contract to return to the board for formal approval. Staff said the work is budgeted and noted the board could still request the contract be brought back for approval; trustees indicated no objection to staff outreach and supported moving ahead.

The board’s direction was administrative; staff will pursue negotiations and will return with specifics if the board requests.