Orange City directs staff to issue RFI for state and federal lobbying services
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Summary
After a staff briefing on options and neighboring cities’ spending, the council voted to direct staff to issue a Request for Information (RFI) for state and federal government relations/lobbyist services and return RFI results and a recommended budget for council approval.
The City Council voted to direct staff to issue a Request for Information (RFI) for state and federal government relations and lobbying services and to return with the RFI results and a proposed budget. Interim City Manager Christine Davis described the motivation: limited staff capacity during peak legislative periods and the value of a professional firm to track bills, schedule briefings and pursue appropriation and grant opportunities.
Davis reviewed neighboring jurisdictions’ approaches and budgets (examples cited included DeBary and Deltona) and recommended an RFI approach that would ask prospective firms for bios, hourly rates and five years of documented client success. She indicated a work order or contract could be limited to a not‑to‑exceed amount (staff discussed a $25,000–$50,000 starting range) to avoid exhausting contingency funds. Council discussed funding sources, possible reallocation from the council travel budget, and Sunshine Law constraints when multiple council members meet with legislators in Tallahassee.
A council motion to direct staff to issue the RFI and bring back results passed on roll call with unanimous support. Staff will publish the RFI and return to council with recommendations on cost and scope before entering any contract.