Council votes to engage Ballard Partners counsel amid possible utility-district bill; retainer cited at about $8,000–$8,500

City leaders told the Jan. 6 workshop that legislation potentially affecting municipal utility service—cited in staff remarks as Florida Senate Bill 1014, sponsored in discussion by Senator Debbie Mayfield—had not yet been filed but was likely. Because of the fast-moving legislative calendar, city staff recommended preparing by securing outside legal and lobbying representation with subject-matter expertise in water and utility governance.

Tom (identified in the meeting as the city’s utilities director) and other staff described the proposed engagement: retain David Childs of Ballard Partners, an environmental-law-trained lobbyist recommended to provide technical and regulatory perspective in Tallahassee. Staff reported an approximate retainer of $8,000–$8,500 (figures discussed by multiple speakers) and said the firm could begin outreach immediately if engaged.

Council members debated the timing and cost. Some urged readiness to act and advocated retaining expertise now; others expressed concern about committing funds before a bill is filed and about the retainer escalating. One councilmember noted the initial contract amount is within the city manager’s authority and that council could provide consensus to proceed if the bill is filed.

To permit formal action at the workshop, a councilmember moved and a second supported temporarily suspending Rule 7.2 (which otherwise prevents formal action in a workshop setting). After the suspension passed by voice vote, a motion to retain David Childs and Ballard Partners was made, amended to name Ballard Partners as the firm, and approved by voice vote. Meeting participants recorded "Aye" and "Motion carries," but no roll-call tally of individual votes was given in the record.

Staff said the retainer would enable the firm to contact legislators and begin discussions if the bill is filed. Council members who supported the step characterized it as buying readiness in a compressed legislative window; opponents urged caution and asked staff to limit spend if the effort becomes protracted.

Public commenters described the issue as political and urged aggressive PR and political engagement; one resident warned of ongoing development pressure and named private-sector actors by way of concern.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff and the utilities director will coordinate with the retained counsel and lobbying firm if the bill is filed; council can call an emergency meeting if urgent action is needed between scheduled meetings.