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Council extends governmental affairs contract, orders RFP after members question lobbyist communications
Summary
Warren City Council extended the contract with Capital Relations for one year and directed staff to issue a request for proposals after several members said they had not received city-specific reports and questioned the firm's communications.
The Warren City Council voted 5–2 on July 8 to extend its agreement with Capital Relations for governmental affairs services for one year and asked administration to issue an RFP for future services.
Councilman Noonan and Councilwoman McGee voted no, saying they had difficulty reaching the firm and had not received the monthly, city‑specific updates they requested. Council supporters said the extension is standard practice while the administration prepares an RFP and pointed out the contract contains a 30‑day termination clause. Supporters also said the firm has been active in meetings and that replacing a firm mid‑appropriations season could disadvantage the city.
Council directed administration and purchasing to start the RFP process; staff said producing an RFP and completing selection could take several months. Several council members asked that the existing firm provide clearer, city-specific monthly reports in the meantime. The motion passed with five yes votes and two no votes.
No additional contract terms or payment changes were disclosed at the meeting; council members said either party can terminate the contract according to its terms if the RFP process selects a different provider.
