Council approves competitive-contracting award for grant-writing services amid questions over contract length and fees

Vernon Township Council approved a competitive-contracting award to provide grant-writing services after members asked questions about the proposed five-year term and the contractor's fee schedule.

The consent agenda included a resolution authorizing award of a competitive-contracting contract for grant-writer services. Councilors asked whether the township would instead adopt a monthly subscription model or limit contract length to three years. Administration responded that the selected vendor (identified in the packet as the Millennium Group) offered a yearly subscription and an additional $150 per-hour project rate when specific grant work is requested; staff said the contract language allows cancellation and that the five-year term was intended to lock in pricing rather than to prevent future councils from changing course.

Council members expressed concern that certain state rules limit contract lengths in some procurement contexts and asked counsel to confirm statutory constraints; the town attorney said competitive contracting has different rules from other procurement methods and noted provisions allowing the township to cancel when needed.

After discussion the consent agenda (with the grant-writer award included) moved forward and the resolutions were approved by roll call. Council members requested that staff clarify matching-fund obligations for grants before projects are undertaken and confirmed the service portal could be opened to volunteer organizations such as local EMS and fire departments if the council so directed.

Council also flagged other consent items — AED purchases for first responders, library funding and estimated property tax bill issuance — but the grant-writer contract generated the most sustained council questioning prior to approval.