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Town council extends legislative-adviser contract after discussion; calls for future RFP
Summary
Council approved a one-year agreement with the town’s legislative adviser by a 4–1 vote, with several councilmembers asking staff to run a competitive procurement and revisit the contract before the next general session.
The Town Council voted 4–1 on July 21, 2025 to approve an agreement for legislative-advisor services for the coming year and authorized the mayor to execute the agreement subject to minor staff changes. The motion was made by Councilman Schechter and seconded by Councilman Regan.
Councilwoman Deeman led the discussion, saying she supports greater clarity on the town’s approach—whether the town needs ongoing active lobbying or monitoring-only services—and requested a broader discussion and possible competitive solicitation for next year’s contract. She noted the current annual fee had increased by $5,000 from the prior year and said $60,000 is a material budget item that deserves fuller council review. Other councilmembers said approving the contract for the coming budget year preserves continuity through the current session and allows staff and council time to develop a request-for-proposals (RFP) process for the next contract cycle.
The motion as stated in the meeting asked the council to approve the services agreement attached to the staff report and authorize the mayor to execute it subject to minor changes by staff. Council voted to approve the motion; the transcript records the final tally as 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The record did not specify which councilmember cast the lone opposing vote.
Why it matters: The contract secures representation and monitoring of state legislative matters affecting the town during the current and upcoming legislative sessions. Several councilmembers emphasized this is the second session in the biennium and asked staff to prepare for a competitive process for the following year so the council can evaluate services and price.
What happens next: The contract will be executed by the mayor after any minor staff changes and will remain in place for the term described in the agreement. Staff will prepare an RFP and timeline for council consideration well in advance of the 2027 session, per council direction.
Speakers on the record included Councilwoman Deeman, who requested the RFP discussion, and Councilman Schechter, who moved approval.
