The City Council renewed an independent contractor agreement with Warren Hardy of Hardy Consulting Group to provide legislative consulting services to the city for the term effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Why it matters: Legislative consultants represent the city’s interests at the state level and can affect transportation, funding and program approvals that matter to local infrastructure and services.

Contract details and context: City staff described the renewal as an annual item and said the retainer remained at the reduced COVID level the consultant had previously offered (the meeting record references a monthly retainer historically set at $4,000 which was reduced during COVID). Warren Hardy addressed the council, reviewed his long history representing Mesquite since leaving the legislature and cited projects he has worked on, including the rec center, community college and DMV access. He said he did not request an increase in the retainer and described Mesquite as a core client.

Public comments: One resident asked why the council renewed the contract without a report on outcomes and asked for more transparency about legislative results; other residents spoke in favor of Hardy, noting his work on transportation and water‑district representation.

Council action: Councilwoman Fielding moved to approve the agreement and the motion passed on a council voice vote. Council members publicly thanked Hardy for his service and asked him to provide a legislative report at a future meeting in September.

Ending: The contract renewal was approved; Hardy will return to present a legislative session report to the council at a future meeting, per council request.