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McKaysville council moves to discuss hiring grant writer to pursue federal, state awards
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Summary
Council voted to authorize staff to contact a proposed grant-writer (named in meeting materials as Catherine Riggs) and to pursue grant opportunities covered by an estimated $37,200 contract retainer; council members said grants could support police, water and infrastructure projects.
McKaysville City Council on a voice vote authorized staff to contact and discuss terms with a private grant-writer whose proposed contract the council reviewed.
Council member (S2) summarized the contract packet and told council members the consultant—identified in the meeting materials as Catherine Riggs—would manage grant applications, paperwork and reimbursements. The contract figure discussed in the meeting was $37,200 to cover work through next July; S2 described it as a monthly retainer broken down in the packet to about $2,300 per month. "She has secured $1,250,000,000, in getting grants," S2 said, describing the consultant's past results and arguing the city should pursue available funding across infrastructure, public safety, water and parks.
Supporters said many of the grants are federally funded and do not require a local match, and that reimbursable grants can pay back prior local spending on water or sewer projects. Opponents did not raise a formal objection during the motion. Chair (S1) asked for and received a motion and second to proceed with contacting the consultant; the council approved the motion by voice vote.
Why it matters: The contract, if finalized, would give the city a dedicated grant manager to prepare and file grant applications that council members said could unlock funding for police equipment, road and drainage repairs, and park projects. The council recorded no formal vote tally in the minutes; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will pursue discussions with the consultant and return contract terms for council review and final authorization. The meeting packet cites the consultant by name and the $37,200 figure as the term through next July; the council asked staff to explore departmental cost-sharing for the fee.
