Council approves $75,000 citywide rebranding process with selected firm; plan includes community engagement

The Lebanon City Council on Aug. 11 approved a citywide branding initiative contract with the firm chosen through a request‑for‑proposals process. Derek, a city staff member presenting the item, said the selected firm (identified in the RFP process as "Chandler Thanks" in staff materials) was the highest‑scoring respondent and that the work will include six months of community engagement. "This is guided by recommendations from Lebanon Project 2040, and we believe now is the right time to proceed as we prepare for major projects," Derek said. Staff described deliverables that include a unified visual identity for the city, sub‑logos for parks, public works and facilities, a separate but coordinated brand for utilities, updated designs for police and fire, and a comprehensive implementation guide covering signage, vehicles, apparel, websites and tourism. Derek said the total project budget was $75,000 in the proposal; staff proposed funding splits that could include roughly one‑third from the general fund, one‑third from economic development funds and one‑third from the electric fund because the utilities brand work is part of the scope. "Part of the component is that there would be a rebranding of the utilities," Derek said, describing why the electric fund could participate. Council members asked about outreach plans; Derek said the firm will meet with students, business owners, the historical society, department heads and each councilmember one‑on‑one. The council approved the ordinance authorizing the contract on first and second reading.