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Commission defers decision on $38,500 TDC tourism plan contract; asks Northstar to present
Summary
The board deferred a $38,500 contract with Northstar Branding to prepare a tourism strategic plan after commissioners questioned the consultant's 162 total hours and asked staff to arrange a direct presentation and to share Clay County deliverables for comparison.
County staff presented a proposed $38,500 contract with Northstar Branding to prepare a tourism strategic plan funded from the county—s TDC (bed-tax) funds. The presentation described community engagement, "secret shopper" research and a proposed timeline.
Several commissioners expressed concern about the consultant's limited proposed effort (162 total hours) and asked to see a comparable product Northstar produced for Clay County. Commissioners also raised statutory limits on how TDC funds can be spent and requested clarity on expected deliverables. Staff and the TDC chair said Northstar has relevant experience and that the work could be funded from TDC reserves.
Rather than approve the contract at the Dec. 17 meeting, the board voted to defer action and requested that Northstar representatives present at the second January meeting and that staff circulate Clay County materials in advance.
Ending: Staff will invite Northstar to present, provide Clay County example materials and return with the item at the scheduled January meeting for a vote.
