Commissioners debate keeping federal lobbyist versus NACo membership

Tom Stoltz, speaking for the county manager’s office, framed the question at the Aug. 13 Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners special meeting as a financial and functional choice: the county currently pays roughly $78,000 per year for a federal lobbyist while NACo membership runs about $9,967 annually.

"NACo purports to give you exclusive access to Washington, D.C., to the federal government," Stoltz said, describing networking, advocacy and occasional program rollouts that can save taxpayers money. Commissioner Dennis questioned the need for the higher-cost federal lobbyist, saying, "I still do not see a necessity for a national lobbyist," and arguing the county had not competitively solicited that service. Other commissioners pushed back: Lopez and others cited concrete federal funding outcomes they linked to lobbying work, including multi‑million dollar allocations and grant wins.

The discussion yielded no vote; Stoltz told the board staff would prepare draft motion language for potential action next week and noted current contracts extend through 2025. Commissioners asked staff to provide fiscal comparisons and to confirm whether the county’s current arrangement piggybacks on the City of Wichita’s contract and whether alternative firms or procurement approaches have been considered.

The item will return to the board when commissioners bring forward formal motions; staff will provide price comparisons, contract terms and any procurement documentation requested for the budget adoption process.