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Pasco commissioners debate federal and local lobbyist contracts; ask staff for a 'report card'
Summary
Commissioners told staff they were concerned about limited engagement from federal contractor Ballard Partners and debated whether to rebid or issue a warning; the board asked Ralph Lair to meet individually with commissioners to collect feedback and return with recommendations.
The Board of County Commissioners held an extended discussion about the county's lobbying contracts, focusing first on the federal contract with Ballard Partners and then on the number and effectiveness of local/state lobbyists.
Ralph Lair, the county's Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, told the board he believed early engagement from the assigned Ballard representative had been limited and ‘‘we could do better.’’ He said the county had meetings in Washington and that some commissioners felt the engagement level did not match expectations.
Commissioners debated options including sending a formal notice to Ballard, rebidding, or relying on a piggyback procurement. Several commissioners advocated for a cooling‑off period in which the board would give Ballard clear expectations and then reassess at the end of the contract term; others favored a change sooner if performance did not improve. "I think if we send them a letter like hey we need a little more attention out of you if not then..." one commissioner said, urging a warning shot across the bow.
On local lobbying, board members disagreed about maintaining three contracted firms versus two. Some commissioners argued three firms helped secure multiple legislative wins and gubernatorial signings this year; others said two firms would be more cost effective. Commissioners asked staff to compile what each firm accomplished this session and asked Ralph to meet individually with commissioners to collect specific feedback and return with recommendations.
Why it matters: Lobbyists represent county priorities to federal and state decision‑makers; contract performance affects the county's ability to secure grants, project funding and permits. Commissioners emphasized the need to define measurable expectations and to use performance feedback to guide renewal decisions.
Next steps: Ralph Lair will meet with commissioners individually to gather feedback; staff will prepare comparative documentation of legislative outcomes tied to the lobbying firms and return with options for board consideration.
