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Mayor urges hiring federal/state advocacy firm to speed big projects; some council members push back
Summary
Mayor Simpson proposed hiring an outside federal/state advocacy consultant (named Mike Ford) on a month-to-month basis and suggested budgeting roughly $60,000 to accelerate large BLM and BOR projects; several council members questioned whether existing staff should do the work and asked for justification and possible cost-sharing.
During the budget workshop Mayor Simpson described a plan to retain a consultant with federal and regional contacts to help shepherd large projects—particularly those involving the Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies—through permit and funding processes. The mayor said the firm could operate on a month-to-month contract and estimated the town’s budget portion would be about $60,000.
Supporters said the firm’s experience and D.C.-level contacts could accelerate projects that have been stalled for years and could be especially useful for large developments and water projects. The mayor noted other local entities, including county and hospital partners, often retain lobbyists or consultants to move grant and federal processes more quickly.
Several council members urged caution. One council member asked why the town would hire an outside consultant for $60,000 when the manager and staff are already doing grant and project work, and suggested staff workloads and responsibilities be clarified before committing funds. Council members also proposed seeking partner cost-sharing for large projects that span county or regional interests to reduce the town’s share.
There was no final decision; members agreed to add the consultant request to the tentative budget and asked staff to provide a detailed contract, a scope of work describing deliverables, and any potential partner contributions before the council considers final approval.
