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Temple Terrace approves engagement letter with Grey Robinson to pursue water and infrastructure funding
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved a three‑year engagement letter with Grey Robinson to provide government affairs consulting; staff negotiated reduced introductory monthly fees, then phased to a standard $4,500 rate and proposed charging water fund for water-related lobbying work.
The Temple Terrace City Council on Dec. 2 voted unanimously to approve an engagement letter with government affairs firm Grey Robinson to pursue appropriations and grant opportunities, particularly to address anticipated water and wastewater infrastructure needs.
City Manager Bea told the council the city issued a request for qualifications and ranked Grey Robinson as the top firm after a committee review. Bea said the firm agreed to accept the city’s current budgeted rate of $2,500 per month for the remainder of the fiscal year and would move to their standard $4,500 monthly rate on Oct. 1 if the contract is continued. Bea said staff proposed charging the additional cost to the water fund for water-related advocacy work to align the expense with the expected benefits.
Chris Dawson, representing Grey Robinson, said the firm brings grant and regulatory experience, including connections to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Resilient Florida grant program and other state funding sources. Dawson said the firm will also help identify federal crossover opportunities where applicable.
Council members asked how the city will measure the firm’s effectiveness. Bea and Dawson said key performance elements will include regular communications with the council, timely bill and grant tracking and efforts to secure appropriations. Vice Mayor Schisler emphasized the need for regular briefings to the council so members can respond to fast-moving legislative developments.
Vice Mayor Schisler moved the resolution; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no opposition.
The three‑year engagement includes two one‑year renewal options and a 30‑day termination provision. The contract is expected to provide broader capacity than the boutique, single‑consultant arrangement the city used previously and staff said it could help position Temple Terrace for state and federal funding to support water system improvements.
