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Commissioners deny $100,000 Georgia Strategy Group contract, board calls for open procurement
Summary
The Rockdale County board voted to deny a proposed $100,000 marketing and community-relations contract with Georgia Strategy Group, citing transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns and directing staff to consider an open procurement process.
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 25 to deny a proposed professional-services contract with Georgia Strategy Group for marketing and community relations valued at $100,000 for the term March 1, 2025–Feb. 28, 2026.
Several commissioners expressed discomfort with the appearance of partiality: Commissioners noted that Georgia Strategy Group principal George Diaz had provided services to some commissioners’ campaigns in the past. One commissioner said, “George Diaz worked on my campaign. He was paid for a service that was rendered. I do not owe him any favors,” and explained that this influenced a vote to deny the contract.
Why it matters: The board debated fiscal stewardship and procurement norms. One commissioner argued the vendor had helped secure savings on prior negotiations and recommended contracting with experts to save county money; others emphasized the need for a competitive process to avoid the appearance of favoritism.
Outcome and next steps: The motion to deny the contract passed on a voice vote. Commissioners directing staff to pursue a public solicitation—an RFQ/RFP or similar competitive process—so the county can reissue the scope for bids and consider prospective vendors transparently. No vendor payments were made under the proposed contract before the denial.
Public context and comments: Several commissioners and members of the public had previously voiced concerns about transparency in county contracting and the broader policy that discourages direct funding of nonprofits. After the denial, commissioners asked staff to draft a public procurement plan and scope for marketing and community-relations services so interested firms, including Georgia Strategy Group, may bid.
