Number
221384
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Resolution relating to expert witness and outside counsel agreements in the matter of U.S. Venture, Inc. and Citgo Petroleum Corp. v. City of Milwaukee.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes payment in an amount not to exceed $150,000 to Seibel Law Offices, LLC, Watson Millican, LLC, Landretti & Co., and Federal Appraisal, LLC, for expert services and legal services relating to the trial of U.S. Venture, Inc. and Citgo Petroleum Corp.’s claims against the City of Milwaukee for property tax refunds.
Body
Whereas, On July 26, 2016, U.S. Venture brought a lawsuit against the City of Milwaukee to recover partial refund of property taxes paid for its oil terminal properties at Granville for tax year 2015; and
Whereas, Since July 26, 2016, the lawsuit has been amended and consolidated several times to include the claims of oil terminal owner Citgo Petroleum Corp. for tax years 2015 through 2020, with requested refunds totaling $7,032,840.00 in this matter and an additional $952,783 on a subsequent matter, such that the City’s liability grows approximately $1,000,000.00 per year; and
Whereas, On or about January 8, 2021, the City Attorney entered into a Contract for Legal Services between the City of Milwaukee and Seibel Law Offices, LLC, for legal services with respect to plaintiff’s claim for property tax refunds in the defense and trial of the matter entitled U.S. Venture, Inc. and Citgo Petroleum Corp. v. City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Case No. 2016-CV-5637; and
Whereas, The City desires to have Seibel Law Offices, LLC continue providing legal services, so the City may defend against claims involving tax year 2020, defend against new arguments brought by Plaintiff, and prepare for and present at trial of tax claims for 2015-2020; and
Whereas, On or about September 9, 2019, the City Attorney entered into a Contract for Expert Services between the City of Milwaukee and W...
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