THE OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM.
On December 9, 2014, the Board conducted a selection process for lobbyist services to represent the County in front of the Legislature, Executive Branch and administrative agencies. The Board chose six firms and staff subsequently entered into contract negotiations. On January 13, 2015, the Board approved contracts with six firms, Adams Street Advocates/Ericks Consultants, Ronald L. Book, Anfield Consulting Group, Tripp Scott, Southern Strategy, and Ballard Partners. The Board subsequently approved the addition of Pittman Law Group and approved the contract on January 27, 2015.
The compensation paid to each firm is as follows:
• Adams St. Advocates, LLC/Ericks Consultants, Inc. - $6,000 monthly/$72,000 annually
• Ronald L. Book, P.A. - $6,000 monthly/$72,000 annually
• Anfield Consulting Group, Inc. - $4,500 monthly/$54,000 annually
• Ballard Partners, Inc. - $4,500 monthly/$54,000 annually
• Pittman Law Group, P.L. - $2,916 monthly/$35,000 annually
• Southern Strategy Group, Inc. - $4,500 monthly/$54,000 annually
• Tripp Scott, P.A. - $4,250 monthly/$51,000 annually
Each agreement provided for an initial term of 20 months ending on September 30, 2016, plus three one-year renewals. The Board exercised its first renewal on September 20, 2016; compensation did not change. The current renewal period expires on September 30, 2017. There remain two available renewals which the Board may exercise.
On August 1, 2017, the lobbying firm of Adams Street Advocates (which is under contract jointly with Ericks Consultants), underwent a significant change, as partners Robert S. Beck and Tanya C. Jackson, along with associate Bryan R. Cherry, left the firm. Mr. Beck served a key role for Broward County as he monitored and lobbied human services budget issues including CCE, Respite Care, Homelessness, Child Protection Teams, and Behavioral Health. Mr. Beck and Ms. Jackson have formed PinPoint Results, LLC (see Exhibit 1) and have been joined by Mr. Cherry as a Senior Associate of the firm. Ericks Consultants, Inc., who has represented Broward County before the Legislature and the Executive Branches for over 20 years continues to operate with no change (principals Dave Ericks and Candice Ericks, along with associate Lauren Jackson).
Motion A and B
This item seeks direction from the Board regarding state lobbying contractual arrangements for Fiscal Year 2018, and a two-month period in Fiscal Year 2019 (through and until November 30, 2018), to allow the Board to assess whether changes to the County’s contracted state lobbying team are desired following the 2018 General Election. After the general election, OIAPS staff will bring a discussion item for the Board’s consideration and direction prior to the expiration of the existing state lobbying contracts in place at that time.
This item also authorizes the County Administrator to execute any necessary agreements, including amendments to the current Fiscal Year 2017 agreements, as amended, through and until November 30, 2018, based upon the Board’s direction.
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