Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve two-year lobbying contract in 3–2 vote
Summary
Bertie County commissioners approved a two-year contract to renew lobbying services, drawing a split 3–2 vote after debate over cost and demonstrated results. Supporters pointed to grants secured this year; critics said the county’s immediate priorities should be local capital and services.
Bertie County commissioners voted 3–2 to renew a two-year lobbying contract for Steinberg and Stansell at a total cost of $72,000.
Proponents said the firm had produced revenue and grant awards that the county otherwise likely would not have secured. David Scott Earl, who briefed the board on the firm’s recent work, said, "I think in the past year that he has produced quite a bit of additional revenues for Bertie County that we would not have seen." Supporters argued that, net of awards, the contract could pay for itself.
Opponents raised questions about priorities and affordability given other needs. One commissioner said plainly, "I will not," when asked whether taxpayers should absorb the added expense without firmer guarantees of return. The contract includes a two-year term with the same renewal language used previously; county staff noted there are cancellation mechanics that could reduce exposure in year one.
The board’s narrow approval comes as commissioners weigh larger capital and service demands — including emergency-services station construction and an animal shelter — and asked staff to report back on contract terms and performance metrics at the next work session.
