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Riverbank approves $54,000-a-year social media contract with Jane Media Services
Summary
Council approved a one-year contract (with two one-year extension options) with Jane Media Services at $4,500 per month — funded from ARPA — to provide a social media strategy, bilingual content, 3–5 posts weekly and performance reporting; council discussed hiring a part-time PIO as a long-term option.
The City of Riverbank on Oct. 22 approved a one-year consultant agreement (with two one-year options to extend) with Jane Media Services to provide social media and communications services, at a retainer of $4,500 per month (about $54,000 annually). The council vote was unanimous, 4–0.
City staff presented the contract as a near-term step to expand bilingual outreach and proactively share city news, events and project updates. Staff said the retainer will cover a social media strategy, content creation and management, community engagement, performance analytics and monthly reporting, and that the contract can include add-on services such as crisis communications or website support as needed.
Sarah Jane, the vendor’s founder and owner, said the firm will work with city staff to build a strategic content bank and a cadence of posts so the city’s work shows up where residents engage. “I am Sarah Jane. I am the owner of Jane Media Services, and I am honored and excited to be here this evening,” she said, and described work the firm has done for neighboring cities and nonprofits.
Council members debated whether to hire an internal, part-time public information officer (PIO) as a long-term solution. “What I would like to see ... is actually hiring somebody internal, that’s part time, a PIO,” one council member said, arguing the role should be funded from the general fund once the city is ready. Vendor and staff representatives said the consultant model can provide immediate capacity and systems that would be portable if the city later hires an in-house PIO.
The council motion to approve item 11.2 passed by roll call: Council member Hernandez — Yes; Council member Barbara Martinez — Yes; Vice Mayor Oribe — Yes; Mayor O’Brien — Yes.
What’s next: Staff will execute the one-year agreement, use funds previously allocated from ARPA to pay the first year, and return to council as needed to report on performance metrics and any recommended continuation or transition to an internal position.
