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Council extends communications contract with Tripepi Smith for social media and newsletter work
Summary
The council approved a one‑year professional services agreement with Tripepi Smith to provide social media, newsletter and ad hoc communications support; staff said the agency’s breadth of services and municipal experience make it cost‑effective compared with hiring a single in‑house communications director.
The Ojai City Council voted June 24 to authorize a professional services agreement with Tripepi Smith for communications support, including up to five weekly social‑media posts, the quarterly Ojai Outlook newsletter and ad hoc media work such as statements and a city style guide.
Why it matters: Staff and council said city communications require both platform familiarity and design, video and media expertise; Tripepi Smith supplies an agency team able to deliver multiple media products. Staff noted that hiring an in‑house equivalent — given needed design, video and PR capacity — would likely cost more than the $136,000 proposed agency contract.
Details and discussion: Council members asked whether there were local alternatives and whether the city should issue a request for proposals (RFP). Staff said they had not issued an RFQ for this scope and that Tripepi Smith is a firm with deep municipal experience. Councilors expressed a desire to revisit procurement next year and to consider local firms; several council members said they wanted the city to allow the firm time to complete the current branding and style‑guide project before switching. The council voted unanimously to keep the contract and to consider local options in the future.
Ending: Council approved the contract and instructed staff to include a re‑evaluation of communications services on a future agenda.
