Response provided by Lauren Surley, Director of Communications and Intergovernmental Relations and Lynda Williams, Purchasing Manager:
CM Baker:
Am I seeing correctly that we started this contract in 2018? Did we have lobbyists before then?
The City of San Marcos has contracted with The Normandy Group since 2009.
What is driving the cost up for our contract and can the whole agreement be provided?
The contract amount in 2018 was $150,000 per year for a total two-year contract of $300,000. The contract amount has remained consistent and the annual amount has not increased. The full contract is attached.
Have we analyzed the RoI in terms of stated legislative goals and incoming dollars/policies we're benefitting from?
The City of San Marcos federal funding successes from 2009 – 2022 are attached.
How actively do the Legislative committee members, staff, and our lobbyists communicate?
The City of San Marcos staff and consultants communicate on a frequent basis. Currently the Legislative Committee will be meeting with our state and federal consultants on a monthly basis as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Once the legislative session is complete, the continued frequency of the meetings will be determined by Committee members.
Mayor Hughson:
Please provide a copy of the contract. The changes noted are not helpful without knowing what is in the contract now.
A copy of the full contract is attached.
How much was the contract in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, per year?
The contract amount in 2018 was $150,000 per year for a total two-year contract of $300,000. The contract amount has remained consistent and the annual amount has not increased.
Did we get a discount for the years we did not go to Washington D. C.?
There was no discount for the two COVID years when we couldn’t have a Legislative Fly-In. However, the City was in weekly communication with The Normandy Group as the consultants managed the many federal assistance programs and guidance coming out of Washington during that time period.
