FOXBORO - For the first time in 30 years, Foxboro is putting out bids seeking town counsel services, potentially replacing the services of Richard Gelerman, whose firm has served as town counsel since 1978, and which was given high marks by selectmen in a special report three years ago.

Gelerman and Buschmann, PC is also the town counsel for Sharon.

Financial concerns

Town Manager Andrew Gala said selectmen asked him to put out a bid for the town counsel services.

"Fiscal concerns. It is part of our responsibility to make sure we are getting a good deal," Selectmen Chairman Mark Sullivan said. Gelerman said he has not yet decided whether to bid, and that he is reviewing the matter with his partner, Gail Buschmann, and with other attorneys in the firm.

According to the town's request for proposals, the bids are due at town hall by noon June 30 and will be opened 10 minutes later. The bid opening will not be in public, but will be witnessed, the bids request says.

The town's budget for legal services in fiscal year 2009, which will begin on July 1, is $120,000.

In the fall of 2005, a selectmen's subcommittee reviewed legal services.

"The consensus that developed...is of a town very satisfied with the work that the current town counsel performs," Selectman James Thrasher, who is a lawyer, and then Selectman Robert Hickey wrote in their report.

That report was based on selectmen's interviews with 18 current and past town officials and with Gelerman himself.

Town exploring options

"I don't think the goal is to replace him, but to see what is out there," Selectman Paul Mortenson, himself an attorney, said.

"We're doing our diligence and checking what other options are available."