Council debates funding for Ferguson Group as staff cites recent federal grant wins

Centerville city staff and councilmembers debated whether to keep a line item for the Ferguson Group, a federal‑grant consulting firm, in the tentative budget after staff summarized recent grant activity and said more federal applications are pending.

The council heard that the Ferguson Group helped the city secure several grants, including a WaterSMART award and that staff estimate recent returns on the consultant relationship exceeded the consultant fee in at least one year. Staff said they are pursuing a $3,000,000 grant for a transmission line and new well and had applied for a $6,000,000 congressional earmark for a hillside project; both were described as federal funding opportunities the Ferguson Group is working on with staff.

Some councilmembers said they were skeptical about budgeting for an external lobbying/advocacy firm when federal funding levels are uncertain. One councilmember asked that Ferguson Group representatives appear before the council at a future meeting so members could ask detailed questions about strategy and potential return on investment. Staff recommended inviting both Ferguson Group and a representative from U.S. Rep. Celeste Malloy’s office to provide additional perspective.

Staff emphasized that federal grant programs are competitive and that the city’s recent successes required considerable staff effort as well as outside help. A staff member said having a consultant familiar with federal appropriations and earmarks has helped the city navigate the process and coordinate congressional support.

Councilmembers did not make a final decision at the session and flagged the budget line for additional review; staff said Ferguson Group will be invited to present at an upcoming meeting and that councilmembers will have the opportunity to consider removing or reinstating the line before final budget adoption.