Broken Arrow council approves hiring lobbyist, appoints two-member subcommittee

The Broken Arrow City Council voted to pursue lobbying and intergovernmental relations services for state and federal legislative matters and appointed a two-member council subcommittee to work with the city manager on scope and candidate selection.

City Manager Michael Spurgeon told the council the city had previously used contract lobbyists and that a dedicated intergovernmental-relations resource would help track bills, arrange meetings with authors and leadership, pursue grants, and assist with regulatory and economic development advocacy. Spurgeon said the administration plans to return with a procurement or contract recommendation and to budget funds for the service.

Council discussion emphasized the practical need for ongoing representation in Oklahoma City and in Washington, D.C. Several council members said the volume and pace of bills make it difficult for councilors and staff alone to monitor legislative calendars and coordinate timely meetings. Members cited examples including the biosolids bills discussed earlier as the kind of issue where an advocate could arrange meetings with bill authors or legislative leadership.

The council approved the motion to hire lobbying services (motion identified on the record as item 25-301). The council then appointed two members—Councilor Deborah and Councilor Lisa—to serve on the selection subcommittee to meet with the city manager and interview candidates. The subcommittee will return to council with a recommendation and suggested contract parameters; the administration said it expects to complete the selection process in the following 30–60 days and to include funding in the next budget cycle if council approves contracting.

Speakers: City Manager Michael Spurgeon; several council members who discussed the measure during general council business.