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Pasco commissioners debate lobbyist contracts; staff to return options for consolidation
Summary
Commissioners discussed federal and state lobbyist contracts on Dec. 9, weighing retention of multiple firms versus consolidation. Staff was directed to return options: federal strategy in January and state contract review in July after the legislative session.
Pasco County commissioners devoted a lengthy portion of their Dec. 9 meeting to reviewing the county’s lobbyist contracts, weighing the value of the current mix of federal and state advocates and asking staff to return options for consolidation or termination.
County staff summarized existing arrangements: a federal contract with Ballard (annual fee noted on the record) and three state firms (Sunrise, Southern and Advocacy Partners) each at approximately $60,000 per year. Commissioners expressed mixed views about whether three state lobbyists were necessary and whether the federal contract was producing sufficient results.
Several commissioners said having multiple firms provides coverage across branches and relationships that can be valuable during a contentious legislative year. Others said the county should evaluate return on investment and consider reducing the number of retained state firms.
The board asked staff to return a formal agenda item with options and potential fiscal impacts. Commissioners agreed to revisit state-lobbyist choices in July (post-session/fiscal effect timing was discussed) and to consider federal-lobbyist options in January, allowing time to assess outcomes from the coming legislative activities.
Staff noted possible approaches, including piggybacking on another jurisdiction’s contract, terminating for convenience and issuing a new solicitation if needed. No formal contract changes occurred at the Dec. 9 meeting; commissioners directed staff to develop options for later consideration.
The discussion underscores the board’s focus on maximizing advocacy effectiveness while being mindful of contract costs and measurable results in Tallahassee and Washington.
