SUBJECT
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Approve an Agreement with Ballard Partners, Inc. for lobbying services for fiscal year 2025-2026. ($45,000 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
Since 2024, Ballard Partners, Inc. (previously The Vogel Group) has assisted Arrow Group Consulting, LLC (formally Anfield Consulting, Inc.) to satisfy a wide variety of advocacy needs for Polk County. Ballard Partners includes former agency heads and legislative committee professionals that have enhanced the ability of the team to advocate for, and respond to, policy issues. In consultation with the Arrow Group, Ballard Partners has yielded significant appropriations in capital investments for Polk County.
In an effort to increase overall efficiency for the Arrow Group, Capital City Consulting, LLC (CCC) and Ballard Partners, Inc., Polk will enter into separate agreements with each firm. All three firms will continue to be retained and will continue to advance Polk County's agenda in upcoming legislative sessions. Amendment No. 1 to the Arrow Group Agreement will eliminate CCC and The Vogel Group (now Ballard Partners, Inc.). Under that Agreement, The Vogel Group was compensated at a rate of $5,000 a month as part of the $240,000 annual payment to the Arrow Group, or $20,000 a month. Under this new Agreement with Ballard Partners, the rate of $5,000 a month ($45,000 for nine months) will remain the same and be paid directly to Ballard Partners from Polk County. The term of this new Agreement with Ballard Partners is for nine months from January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve Agreement for Professional Services with Ballard Partners, Inc. for lobbying services for fiscal year 2025-2026 for a one-time expense of $45,000 and to take effect on January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available in the Utilities and General funds.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Polk County, County Manager's Office
John M. Bohde
Deputy County Manager...
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