Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $14,250 design element contract after split committee vote
Summary
A 3–3 committee split left a McDaniels Marketing $14,250 contract before the full Council. After debate about optics amid rising taxes and assessment complaints, the Common Council approved the contract on an 8–5 roll-call vote.
The Common Council approved a $14,250 contract with McDaniels Marketing to provide an additional city design element tied to a website redesign after a lively floor debate. The Government Affairs Committee had been split 3–3 on the item, prompting a full-council discussion on whether the city should spend limited funds on branding while residents face higher property taxes and special assessments.
Supporters, including alderpersons who work in communications or economic development, argued the amount was modest, budgeted and complementary to an ongoing website redesign; they said stronger branding aids economic development and recruitment. Opponents framed the purchase as poor optics during a period of tax and assessment increases and said the city should conserve taxpayer dollars for core services.
The council voted by roll call (8 ayes, 5 noes) to approve the contract. The mayor and staff said the work dovetails with the website project and had been priced to fit within that budget.
