TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
FROM: Kathy Copeland, Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager
DATE: July 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Lobbyist Contract for Legislative Session
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
Since February 17, 2015, Anfield Consulting, Inc., has assisted Indian River County with various legislative issues, grant application preparation, and obtaining funding for water projects. In January 2025, Staff recommended a six month contract with Anfield as the group was in the process of a name change to Arrow Group Consulting, Inc., and became a subsidiary of Gunster law firm. The transition has gone smoothly and County Administration staff recommends continuing with Arrow Group Consulting, Inc., for the remainder of this fiscal year and for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Thus, the total of the contract for the 15 month period will be $150,000, payable in increments of $10,000 monthly.
The legislative process begins early next year, January 13, 2026, and Committee Weeks will begin in September. Additionally, legislative bills are anticipated to begin being filed in August. County staff has also been interacting with our lobbying concerning administrative with state agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Emergency Management.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Funds are budgeted for this fiscal and have been included for the next fiscal year to cover the costs of this 15 month contract. Funds are available in the General Fund/BCC Office/Other Professional Services account, number 00110111-033190.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
January, 2025 entered into an agreement with Arrow Group Consulting, LLC, for lobbying services through June 30, 2025.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Governance
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff respectfully recommends the Board of County Commission enter into an agreement with Arrow Group Consulting, LLC, for lobbying services through September 30,, 2026, for the contract amount of $150,000, and authorize the County Administrator to execute the agreement after review and approval of the County Attorney.