Title
Discuss and consider action to approve a professional services agreement with Searle Strategies LLC in the amount of $90,000 for legislative support associated with the 89th Legislative Session, and authorize the City Manager to execute the same.
Summary
Searle Strategies, an Austin-based public affairs firm, proposes supporting legislation to increase public oversight and accountability for Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) in Texas. Searle Strategies will provide public affairs services in support of legislation that would provide greater public oversight and accountability for Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) in Texas, this legislation includes:
A. Requiring that board members for Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) of a certain size are elected, not appointed (ESD Board Elections).
B. Require consent of the local governing bodies to expand the boundaries of an ESD (Local Consent).
The agreement is to begin January 15, 2025 and end June 2, 2025. Costs of the agreement is $15,000 monthly not to exceed $90,000 total across the term of the agreement.
Prior City Council Action
September 24, 2024 - City Council approved a 9-month Full Service Legislative and Regulatory Consulting Services Contract with Focused Advocacy in an amount not to exceed $78,150 for Legislative and Consulting Services.
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested for January 14, 2025.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure _X_ N/A __
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No _X_ N/A __
Amount: $90,000
1295 Form Required? Yes _X_ No __
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required _X_ Date Completed: ___________
Supporting documents attached:
Professional Services Agreement Searle Strategies LLC
Recommended Action
Discuss and consider action.