Subject:
Title
Discussion, Re: State Lobbying Services
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Fiscal Impact:
The County’s State Lobbying Services were $75,000 for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Dept/Office:
Central Services/Purchasing
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners (the Board) provide direction for staff for State Lobbying Services:
1. Renew the current contract with SBM Partners, Inc., provide directions on any changes the Board approves to the contract, and authorize the Chair to sign the contract; or
2. Request Purchasing Services to advertise a Request for Proposal for State Lobbying Services and establish the following employees on the selection and negotiation committee comprised of: Ms. Virginia Barker, Director, Natural Resources Management Department; Mr. Marc Bernath, Director, Public Works Department, and Mr. Edward Fontanin, Director, Utility Services Department; the highest-ranked firm, along with a negotiated contract, will be brought to Board for approval.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The Board of County Commissioners (the Board) has entered into contracts for State Lobbying services over the years that assist the County with representation with State policy, legislative appropriations, and technical matters that come before the Governor, Cabinet, Legislature, and state agencies. On September 16, 2025, the Board entered a contract with SBM Partners, Inc., to provide State Lobbying Services for one year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2026, for $75,000. This contract may be renewed by the Board each year following an annual review. Attached is a 2026 Legislative Briefing, submitted by SBM Partners, Inc. As outlined in the 2026 Briefing, the County received seven (7) legislative funding appropriations signed by the Governor. These legislative funding appropriations total $11,370,612. Also attached for the Board’s review is SBM Partners, Inc., contract that expired on June 30, 2026.
If the Board requests Purchasing Services to advertise a Request for Proposal (RFP), the State Lobbying Services RFP will be advertised in accordance with Florida Statutes, which requires a twenty-one (21) day advertisement period, time for a public meeting of the Selection and Negotiation Committee to meet and interview the top proposers. Once completed, the Committee will bring back its recommended firm along with a draft contract for the Board to consider.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: