Commission consolidates state and federal lobbying under Southern Group after legislative session wins

Leon County commissioners approved the county’s 2025 legislative final report and then voted to consolidate the county’s state and federal lobbying services with a single firm, the Southern Group, under a multi‑year contract after a prolonged discussion about procurement process, performance and return on investment.

Staff report and legislative outcomes County staff and contract lobbyists reviewed the county’s legislative results and asked for direction about the county’s contract-lobbying services. Commissioners were briefed on a range of appropriations and state-agency funding outcomes; county staff noted the county’s work had helped secure significant items this session, including $2,000,000 toward an FDOT project (Crawfordville Road acceleration) and $800,000 for Lake Munson water‑quality improvements. Staff also summarized the county’s existing lobbying arrangements: Capital Alliance Group (state lobbyist) currently billed $85,000, the county’s federal lobbyist billed $100,000, and a supplemental one‑year engagement with Southern Group cost $40,000. Staff said the Southern Group had been brought on earlier in the year and that the county had seen measurable appropriations results during the session.

Board debate over process and performance Board members debated procurement norms versus observed performance. Commissioner Minor urged adherence to the county’s competitive procurement rules and an RFP process so the county could compare proposals; he said the board had time to run an RFP. Commissioners Proctor and Caban pushed back, saying the Southern Group produced an outsized return on a small initial investment and that timing and relationships matter in a highly competitive appropriations environment. Commissioner Proctor said the firm ‘‘brought home the bacon’’ for projects in his district and argued a prompt contract would allow lobbying efforts to begin before the next funding cycle.

Final action: consolidate and waive procurement Commissioner Caban moved to consolidate state and federal lobbying with the Southern Group under a $200,000, multi‑year contract and to waive the county’s purchasing policy to permit direct contracting; the motion included MWBE participation requirements and an instruction that the county attorney and administrator work with the firm to produce a contract. Commissioners approved the motion with a friendly amendment to structure the contract as a three‑year initial term with two optional one‑year extensions. The motion passed 6–1 with Commissioner Minor dissenting. The board also directed staff to notify current contractors consistent with contract deadlines.

Why it matters The decision shifts the county’s primary lobbying work to a single external firm and waives the normal competitive procurement process. Supporters said the change will provide continuity and an opportunity to capitalize on legislative relationships before the next session; critics said the county should use an RFP to ensure transparency and best value for taxpayer dollars. The county will monitor performance and retain the option to revisit contracting decisions in future years.

Next steps Staff will draft a consolidated services contract consistent with the board’s instructions, include MWBE participation goals, and return the proposed contract for board approval. Staff will also notify the county’s existing lobbying firms of the board’s action consistent with contract notice provisions.