Los Banos council approves $5,000‑a‑month media contract after divided debate

The Los Banos City Council voted to approve a second amendment to its media‑content contract with Imagine Way More LLC on March 18, moving the arrangement to a structured $5,000‑per‑month, two‑year engagement focused on narrative ‘how‑to’ videos and web‑friendly content.

City Manager Niran Thann described the amendment as part of a broader public‑engagement overhaul that will pair content production with a planned website revamp and a future public information officer. "We want to provide timely, accessible information — how to sign up for utility billing, how to get a police report — and to reach residents where they consume content," he said.

Some residents and council members pressed for tighter justification. Kathy Ballard questioned the value given that many residents do not use social media and asked whether web improvements and in‑house capacity could replace contracted work. “I still think $5,000 is too much,” she said during public comment, noting she could not find evidence that the prior contract resulted in tangible economic development leads.

Blanche George, a volunteer with the animal shelter, said she regularly downloads and shares the city’s social content and pointed to increased engagement with shelter events and volunteer recruitment.

Council members debated metrics, the need for a website integration plan, and whether to require a six‑month performance review. City Manager Thann said the contract contains a 30‑day termination clause and staff offered to return with a six‑month report on deliverables. On a 4–1 roll call, the council approved Resolution 7069 authorizing the manager to execute the amendment.