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Holtville Council approves two-year MOU with ChrisCom for grant-writing and advocacy
Summary
Council approved Resolution 25-04 authorizing a memorandum of understanding with consulting firm ChrisCom for grant-writing, advocacy and economic-development assistance. Council approved a two-year term with a 30-day termination clause; the $4,500-per-month rate was discussed during deliberations.
Holtville City Council voted to adopt Resolution 25-04 authorizing a memorandum of understanding with ChrisCom, a consulting firm that provides grant-writing, lobbying and economic-development services. Council directed staff to finalize a two-year contract term with a 30-day termination clause; the monthly fee discussed during the meeting was $4,500.
Council members said the primary objective for hiring the firm is assistance funding a new public-safety building, though the MOU would also allow the firm to pursue other city priorities and budget requests. ChrisCom’s executive vice president and chief operating officer described the firm’s services in a brief presentation and said the company represents other public-safety clients in the region.
During the discussion the company representative told council, “if we do get awarded this contract, we will be in contact with Nick in, like, the next couple weeks to start getting meetings with all of you and with department heads to see, you know, what your funding needs are,” (executive vice president and chief operating officer, ChrisCom). The representative also said the firm typically registers as the city’s lobbyist at the state level and that it often does not bill separately for travel or expenses.
Council members asked about contract length and cost. The firm recommended a two-year engagement to span legislative cycles; the MOU as amended in the meeting includes a 30-day termination clause available to either party. Council discussed potential funding sources for the contract and staff said the general fund would be the likely source but RDA bond monies could be considered depending on project eligibility.
A member of the public asked about matching requirements and maximum grant sizes for small cities; a ChrisCom representative said match requirements and award sizes vary by program and that the firm would identify suitable opportunities and advise the city on feasibility and matching obligations.
The council adopted Resolution 25-04 by roll-call vote. The roll call recorded in the transcript lists John Munger — yes; Mike Pacheco — yes; Marie Anderson — yes; Vanessa Ramirez — yes; Mike Goodson — yes. The meeting record shows the motion passed unanimously.
The contract will be finalized by staff and returned to council with the formal MOU text and corrected date; staff also indicated they will prepare a capital-improvement project prioritization session to identify projects for grant pursuit.
