CITY OF MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA REQUEST FOR BIDS (RFB) City Attorney Services
CITY OF MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA REQUEST FOR BIDS (RFB) City Attorney Services
Introduction
The City of Milbank, South Dakota, a second-class municipality, is requesting bids from qualified attorneys or law firms to provide City Attorney Services under contract. The selected attorney or firm will serve as the chief legal advisor to the City Council, City Administrator, City departments, and City boards and commissions and will represent the City in legal matters as required.
This Request for Bids is intended to identify a qualified attorney or law firm with demonstrated experience in South Dakota municipal law and the ability to provide responsive and cost-effective legal services. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to negotiate contract terms with the selected firm.
Anticipated Timeline:
Event Date
RFP Published and Distributed
March 18, 2026
Bid Deadline April 10
Review and Interviews
April 13 – 17
Contract & Fee Negotiation
April 20 – May 1
City Council Appointment
May 11, 2026
Scope of Services
The City Attorney shall provide comprehensive municipal legal services including, but not limited to, the following duties consistent with standard municipal attorney responsibilities.
A. General Legal Counsel
The City Attorney shall:
• Provide legal advice and opinions to:
o City Council
o City Administrator
o Finance Officer
o Department Heads
o Boards and Commissions
• Draft and/or Review:
o Ordinances
o Resolutions
o Contracts
o Agreements
o Easements
o Development Agreements
o Policies
• Ensure Compliance with:
o South Dakota Codified Law
o Open Meetings Law
o Public Records Law
o Personnel Law
o Procurement requirements
o Federal and State regulations
• Provide legal research and written opinions as requested.
B. Municipal Operations Support
The City Attorney shall:
• Attend City Council meetings as requested. Remote attendance may be available
• Provide legal review of Council agenda items when necessary.
• Provide advice on:
o Land use and Zoning
o Planning and Development
o Annexation
o Utilities
o Public Works
o Public Safety
o Employment Matters
o Economic Development Projects
• Meet with City staff as necessary.
C. Representation and Litigation
The City Attorney shall:
• Represent the City in:
o Civil Litigation
o Administrative Hearings
o Regulatory Matters
• Coordinate with special counsel when required.
• Provide risk management and liability guidance.
D. Ordinance Enforcement and Prosecution (Optional)
Bids shall indicate whether the firm will provide:
• Municipal Ordinance Prosecution
• Preparation of Complaints
• Court Appearances
If not provided, the City may retain separate prosecutorial services.
Minimum Qualifications
Proposing attorneys must:
• Be licensed to practice law in South Dakota.
• Be in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota.
• Have demonstrated experience in municipal law.
• Have the capacity to provide timely responses.
Preference will be given to attorneys with:
• Experience representing South Dakota municipalities
• Knowledge of municipal utilities and infrastructure
• Experience with personnel law
• Experience with land use and zoning
Bid Requirements
Bids shall include:
A. Firm Information
• Firm or attorney name
• Office location(s)
• Primary contact information
• Years in practice
B. Qualifications and Experience
Include:
• Experience representing municipalities
• Description of municipal clients
• Areas of legal expertise
• Proposed lead attorney
C. Approach to Services
Include:
• Availability
• Communication approach
• Typical response times
• Meeting attendance capability
D. Fee Proposal
Provide:
• Hourly rates
• Retainer options (if applicable)
• Meeting attendance rates
• Litigation rates
• Travel costs
Rates and fees will be evaluated after qualifications are reviewed.
E. References
Provide at least three municipal references, including:
• Municipality name
• Contact person
• Phone number
• Length of service
Selection Process
Bids will be evaluated based on:
• Municipal law experience
• Qualifications of assigned attorneys
• Responsiveness
• References
• Cost structure
This evaluation approach is consistent with municipal legal service RFP practices.
The City reserves the right to:
• Request additional information
• Conduct interviews
• Negotiate fees
• Reject any or all bids
Bid Submission
Bids must be received by: April 10, 2026 – 5 p.m. CST
Submit bids to:
City Administrator
City of Milbank
1001 E. 4th Avenue
Milbank, SD 57252
Electronic submissions may be sent to: cityadministrator@milbanksd.com
Late bids will not be accepted.
Questions
Questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted147.74 to:
City Administrator at: cityadministrator@milbanksd.com
Responses may be distributed to all known proposers.
Contract Term
The anticipated contract term is:
• One-year initial term with annual renewal options.
General Conditions
The City of Milbank reserves the right to:
• Reject any or all bids
• Waive irregularities
• Request clarifications
• Negotiate contract terms
• Select the bid in the City’s best interest
March 18 March 25
