Ely council approves third addendum with Porter Group despite public criticism over fees

The Ely City Council voted unanimously on March 27 to approve a third addendum to the city’s contract with Porter Group, LLC, extending lobbying services through March 31, 2026. Councilman Terrill Trask moved to approve the addendum and Councilwoman Samantha Elliott seconded; the motion carried without dissent from council members present.

During public comment, George Chachas criticized continued spending on Porter Group, saying the City "has paid approximately $192,000 since March of 2021, and I've not seen any results," and urging the council to reconsider the contract. That figure was presented as an allegation by a public commenter; no audit or staff report showing cumulative payments was presented during the meeting.

Mayor Nathan Robertson told the council there were no substantive changes in the newest amendment and noted the city retains the option to cancel with 30 days’ notice if the services do not meet expectations. The mayor also referenced ongoing federal funding work he said the Porter Group is helping to advance, including a previously announced congressional award the mayor described as $13.5 million.

The council did not request or receive additional financial reporting on the Porter Group’s cumulative fees or specific deliverables at the meeting. The motion carried unanimously among the five voting council members.

The council’s approval keeps downtown lobbying support in place while officials continue preparing funding applications, according to council remarks. No city staff provided a detailed accounting in the record at the March 27 meeting of what the Porter Group has delivered relative to fees paid.