The Taylor County School Board approved a contract with Capital Solutions LLC to provide lobbying services aimed at securing appropriations and other funding for district capital projects, including a turf field and a regulation track.

Superintendent Reggie Wentworth and staff described a priority project: turfing the district’s football field and constructing a track that meets hosting standards. The board discussed the district’s lack of a dedicated lobbyist in recent years and the prospective firm’s track record securing appropriations for other districts. Board members referenced lobbyists Patrick Bell and Elizabeth Bell as the consultants identified to pursue the district’s requests at the state capital.

Board discussion covered contract length and cost. The contract lists a monthly fee of $3,000 and an October 1 start date; it includes a 30‑day termination clause. District staff said they planned to fund the contract from the general fund for this partial fiscal year, with an expectation that future appropriations or one‑time awards could offset district costs. A board member noted the contract can be canceled with 30 days’ notice if results are unsatisfactory.

Board member Mathis moved to approve the hiring of Capital Solutions LLC for the remainder of the school year (approximately seven to eight months, as discussed); the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The contract was described during discussion as flexible regarding the types of appropriations the firm will pursue; the text of the agreement states the firm will lobby for funding of identified projects and “any additional appropriations requested by the district.”

During debate, some board members asked why the district would pursue both a local half‑cent sales‑tax measure and state appropriations simultaneously; supporters said the two efforts are complementary. Superintendent Wentworth and staff emphasized that appropriations and local revenue sources are not mutually exclusive and that professional lobbying could identify additional revenue to address capital and operational needs.

The board approved the contract and instructed staff to monitor early progress and return to the board if the district determines it should terminate or expand the arrangement.