Commission denies $100,000 Georgia Strategy Group contract, board directs open procurement

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a proposed professional services contract with Georgia Strategy Group for marketing and community relations worth $100,000 per year.

The item drew extended discussion because the consultant, Georgia Strategy Group (associated with George Diaz), had previously provided campaign services for at least one commissioner. One commissioner stated candidly that Mr. Diaz had worked on her campaign and said, “I do not owe him any favors,” and voted to deny the contract. Other commissioners argued that outside consultants can deliver expertise and cost savings that internal staff alone cannot provide. A substitute motion to deny the contract while directing county staff to run an open bid or request for proposals for the work was made, seconded and adopted.

The original agenda described the contract term as March 1, 2025 through Feb. 28, 2026 with auto-renewal language removed. During discussion a commissioner said the company had negotiated savings on another county contract in the past and could capture additional value; proponents argued those savings could offset costs. Opponents said awarding a non-bid contract to a vendor with campaign ties would appear to circumvent the county’s procurement norms and the county’s nonfunding policy toward nonprofits.

The motion to deny the contract carried on a voice vote. The board also instructed staff to prepare a competitive procurement (bid/RFQ/RFP) process and scope for county marketing and community relations services so the county may consider open submissions. The county attorney/finance staff advised that the board could move separately to pursue the competitive process after the denial vote.

The denial resolves the immediate contract question; commissioners emphasized transparency and public procurement going forward.