Steering committee approves two-year lobbyist contract, will split instructions between mayor and committee chair

The Rutherford County steering committee voted to approve a two-year contract for lobbyists that will be funded from the county commission budget and include a 30-day rescission clause.

Chairman Harris told the committee the mayor's office and county commissioners "will be working together" under the contract and that commissioners would receive a packet of bills before each session for review. He said the agreement allows the chairman of steering and the mayor to instruct lobbyists on time-sensitive matters and "inform all the steering committee" afterward; if there is a dispute, the full county commission will vote.

Will Denabe, the county's contracted lobbyist, briefed the committee on legislative priorities, saying the County Services Association has made a real-estate transfer tax a top priority and that counties are "rowing in the same direction" to pursue it next session. He cautioned the outcome will depend on state finances and revenue forecasting.

Why it matters: The contract formalizes how the commission and mayor will coordinate lobbying at the state level and identifies the commission budget as the funding source. It also sets a process to enable rapid responses during session when the steering committee does not meet frequently.

Action: The committee approved the contract by roll call (motion passed). The contract is two years long, may be rescinded with 30 days' notice, and directs the chair of steering and the mayor to coordinate urgent lobbying decisions and notify the committee; unresolved disputes will be sent to the full commission for a vote.

What to watch: The lobbyist identified passage of a real-estate transfer-fee or similar revenue measure as the top county priority for the coming legislative session, contingent on the state's revenue forecast.