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Office of the / 1. <br />INDIAN RIVER COUNTY <br />ADMINISTRATOR <br />Joseph A. Baird, County Administrator <br />Michael C. Zito, Assistant County Administrator <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Members of the Board of County Commissioners <br />FROM: Joseph A. Baird <br />County Administrator <br />DATE: December 10, 2014 <br />SUBJECT: Lobbyist for 2015 Legislative Session <br />DESCRIPTIONS AND CONDITIONS: <br />At the November 4th Board of County Commission Meeting, the Board authorized staff to renew the <br />County's agreement with Joe McCann, Ballard Partners, Inc., for lobbying services. Subsequent to that <br />meeting, but prior to the agreement being finalized, the County was advised that Joe McCann is no longer <br />associated with Ballard Partners, Inc. <br />Due to the change in circumstances, staff interviewed a number of potential lobbyists and lobbying firms <br />including Mat Forrest, with Ballard Partners, Inc., to determine who would be the best advocate for the <br />County's 2015 legislative priorities. <br />FUNDING: <br />Southern Strategy Group has agreed to $5,000 per month, beginning January 1, 2015 for a maximum of <br />$45,000 for this fiscal year. The agreement allows the County to cancel it at any time. Funding for <br />lobbyist services was included in BCC Operations Professional Services Account Number 00110111- <br />033190. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Staff recommends the County not renew its agreement with Ballard Partners, Inc., rather staff <br />recommends entering into an agreement with Southern Strategies Group for lobbying services for this <br />year. Staff also recommends the Chairman beauthorized to sign an agreement with Southern Strategies <br />Group upon review and approval of the County Administrator and County Attorney. <br />APPROVED AGENDA ITEM <br />FO' : December 16, 2014 <br />Indian River Co <br />App : ' - • <br />Date <br />Administrator <br />_ <br />!( 14/j <br />Legal <br />a — <br />d <br />Budget <br />l2 %�ticl <br />102 <br />