Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Government Relations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Berrien County commissioners approve retainer after split vote on outside lobbying services
Summary
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved resolution P2502126 by a 9-1 vote after a lengthy debate over renewing outside lobbying and grant‑assistance services, with opponents citing cost and overlap with existing associations.
Berrien County commissioners voted 9-1 to approve resolution P2502126 after extended debate over the county's use of outside lobbying and grant‑assistance services supplied by Midwest Strategy.
The vote capped a discussion in which critics questioned the cost and whether the county receives unique value from the consultant, while supporters said Midwest Strategy has helped secure grants and arrange face‑to‑face meetings with state legislators and agency staff. Commissioner Tyler said, "I will be voting no on it," citing cost concerns and overlap with other organizations. Administrator Brian DeSette told the board, "Midwest assisted us with securing the Silver Beach grant," and described the firm's role arranging legislator meetings and preparing customized packets to advocate for county projects.
Why it matters: the contract covers lobbying and grant‑advocacy work the county says helps position local projects for state action and funding. Commissioners who supported the measure argued that Midwest Strategy keeps Berrien County on legislators' radars and supplements work done by associations such as the Michigan Association of Counties and the Southwest Michigan Commission. Opponents said regional cooperation or in‑house efforts could be more cost‑effective.
Supporters noted specific services the firm has provided: arranging on‑site visits by lawmakers, hosting meetings during the annual MAG (Michigan Association of Counties) conference in Lansing, and delivering tailored advocacy packets to legislators. Commissioner Harrison said he had found "particular value" in the consultant's ability to secure meetings with both legislators and state employees when the county needed legislative or grant support.
Opponents focused on price and duplication. Commissioner Tyler pointed to membership dues the county pays to the Southwest Michigan Commission (noted in the discussion as $32,406) and questioned whether paying a separate monthly retainer was prudent amid an uncertain budget. Commissioners asked about the contract term and flexibility: administrators confirmed the contract was for one year and that the county could terminate the agreement.
Clarifying details discussed at the meeting included a referenced monthly retainer of $4,000, a previously reported 02/2024 total billed to the county of $48,646.50, and other figures mentioned in debate (one commissioner referenced $107,000 in the budget context). Administrators said the expense for the consulting service is budgeted for the year.
Votes at a glance Resolution P2502126 (considered separately from the consent calendar) '025: Approved, 9-1. Moved by Commissioner Warfel; supported by Commissioner Harrison. Recorded roll call showed nine yes votes and one no (Commissioner Tyler). Consent calendar (remaining items): Approved in an earlier roll call with 10 yes votes and 2 absent; Commissioner Freeling was recorded as abstaining on requisition B2502064 (requisition 76343) during that vote.
The board accepted the contract renewal despite dissent and budget questions. Administrators said they will continue to monitor use of the vendor and that commissioners who want a different approach may raise it in future budget discussions.
Ending: The board moved on to routine committee reports and departmental updates after the vote; staff noted the contract is budgeted and that the county can terminate the agreement if commissioners later decide to discontinue the service.
