The Stearns County Board received a report from the county’s federal lobbyist, introduced in the meeting as David Church, who reviewed his firm’s decades-long work for the county, recent federal results and how contemporary lobbying practice operates.

Mr. Church described past successes he associated with his firm’s work for the county — including work tied to Industrial Drive/Industrial Park projects, airport advocacy and engagements with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He framed his service as relationship-based and credited personal contacts and sustained local participation in Washington for successes.

On costs he told the board lobbying market entry levels for routine work now commonly start in the low five figures per month, saying, “we kinda start at 10 to 12,500, and it ranges to 25,000,” and explained those fees reflect the rising cost of operating in Washington.

He also pointed to a recent result he attributed to the firm’s work: “In the T HUD bill this morning, you have $1,500,000,” a funding line Mr. Church said benefitted the county. Commissioners asked about transparency and the existing contract; Commissioner Bertram asked staff to provide the current agreement and to clarify expectations and prior communications before proceeding with any RFP process.

Mr. Church described his firm’s structure and succession planning in general terms and said he would aim to be transparent about any transition if and when it occurs. The presentation concluded with thanks to the board for its long-term relationship with the firm.

Board follow-up: commissioners requested the current agreement and materials about past deliverables and asked staff to return with the agreement and RFP context before further action.