Only one law firm has responded to an invitation from The Villages District Office to replace longtime community development district attorney Valerie Fuchs.
Fuchs earlier this year announced her intention to step down this summer as legal counsel to Community Development Districts 1 through 11 in The Villages. She has indicated she wants to narrow the focus of her practice. Fuchs has received high marks for her work through the years and many supervisors have indicated they are sorry to see her go.
Although eight law firms were contacted about the opportunity to serve as legal counsel for the CDDs, only one firm responded.
A review committee consisting of District Manager Richard Baier and Assistant District Manager Kenny Blocker met on June 17 to evaluate the sole response submitted by Brionez + Brionez, P.A. of Tavares, which includes attorneys Mark Brionez and Stephanie Brionez.
This week, several CDD boards will consider a contract with the firm that will run through Sept. 30, 2022. The firm will bill at a rate of $200 per hour.