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Committee holds proposed $25,000 communications consultant contract after debate over who directs work
Summary
A resolution authorizing the chairman to contract with Heartland Communications LLC for up to $25,000 in communications and policy services was held by the budget committee after members debated an amendment that makes the chairman the consultant's directing official. Law and purchasing code citations were added to the amendment.
Chair Charlie Franklin presented a resolution authorizing the chairman of the legislature to execute a consulting agreement with Heartland Communications LLC of Kansas City, Missouri, to provide communications and policy services at a cost not to exceed $25,000. Whitney Miller of the county counselor's office circulated an amendment incorporating changes requested by the chair and the county auditor.
County counsel explained the amendment added back sections omitted from an earlier draft, including a clause that the consultant will "work at the direction of the chairman of the legislature." The amendment also references the legislature's authority cited in the county charter (Article 2, Section 16, 5, 13) and chapter 10, section 1,000 of the purchasing code.
Several legislators expressed concern the amendment, as written, could enable the consultant to prioritize work directed by the chairman rather than reflect legislative priorities of the full body. One legislator said they preferred the consultant support legislative priorities of the entire legislature rather than work solely on the chairman's priorities. After discussion, a legislator moved to hold the resolution to allow time for further discussion with the chairman; the committee voted to hold the item.
