Tamarac commission to renew lobbying contract with Ronald Book PA at $59,400 for one year
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Summary
City staff presented Amendment No. 22 extending the City of Tamaracagreement with Ronald Book PA for state lobbying services through Jan. 25, 2026, at a cost not to exceed $59,400; commissioners discussed the firmrole, recent project wins and forthcoming grant priorities.
The City Commission of Tamarac on Jan. 6 reviewed Amendment No. 22 to the citylobbying services agreement with Ronald Book PA, extending the contract for one year through Jan. 25, 2026, at a cost not to exceed $59,400.
Tanya Williams, the cityGrants and Governmental Affairs Manager, told the commission the agreement dates to 2002 and has been renewed annually. Williams said the rate has remained unchanged since about 2010 and summarized the firmscope: government liaison, legislative tracking, meeting coordination with Tallahassee officials, identifying and supporting state funding opportunities, and assistance with state permits.
Williams credited Ronald Book PA with recent appropriations the city received: $451,081 for a canal/culvert/headwall improvement project and $271,577 for Tamarac Park safety enhancements; she also said a third application for the 90 Fourth Avenue project (a request in excess of $700,000) won legislative sponsor support but was vetoed by the governor.
Williams said Ron Book PA recommended two 2025 appropriations the city plans to submit: an underground fiber network expansion (estimated project cost >$3,000,000; recommended state ask $750,000) and a wastewater lift-station replacement (estimated cost $1,000,000 with a requested state appropriation of $500,000 and a required local 50% match of $500,000).
Ronald Book, dialing into the workshop, described the firmrole as primarily legislative and state-focused but said the firm will support clients on federal issues on a case-by-case basis. "It is entirely up to a local government whether or not they need representation in Tallahassee," Book said, arguing that on appropriations and budget-subcommittee work a local presence in Tallahassee improves access to committee chairs and funding opportunities.
After discussion, Mayor Gloria Gomez said the contract item would move forward on the consent agenda for formal adoption at a later meeting.
Whathappens next: The amendment will be placed on the consent agenda for a formal vote at the next regular meeting, and staff will continue preparing the 2025 appropriation submissions described to the commission.