In a recent finance committee meeting, city officials discussed the renewal of a consultant agreement with Keller Partners and Company LLC, which is set to continue through March 31, 2025. The agreement focuses on federal lobbying services, similar to a prior arrangement with Delta Consulting. Keller Partners is expected to present their work to the city council via Zoom on Thursday evening.

Council members expressed interest in issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consulting services at the beginning of 2025, emphasizing the importance of fairness and transparency in the selection process. Some council members raised concerns about the division of payments among multiple entities, including the county and the water authority, which also utilize Keller's services for projects related to a levy.

A significant point of contention was the lack of communication and reporting from the consultants. Council members voiced frustration over not receiving regular updates or reports on the consultants' activities, which they believe could enhance the city’s ability to secure grants and funding. Suggestions were made for quarterly updates from the consultants to improve transparency and allow for better-informed decision-making.

The discussion highlighted the need for a more structured communication process between the city and its consultants, with council members advocating for clearer reporting mechanisms to track the effectiveness of the consulting services. The meeting concluded with a commitment to consider these reporting needs as part of the upcoming RFP process.

Additionally, the committee briefly touched on the approval of substantial amendments to the city’s annual action plans for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, indicating ongoing efforts to manage and allocate federal resources effectively.