Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution approves a one-year contract with The Welch Group, Inc. to advise the City on government affairs and represent the City’s interests at the state level. Under the proposed terms, the annual cost of the contract is $72,000 with an option for two one-year renewals at the same annual fee. The contract was chosen through a non-competitive selection process.
The contract will be executed in March 2025; the prorated amount for 2025 is $60,000. The 2025 Adopted Operating Budget includes $45,000 for a state government liaison in Direct Appropriations. The $15,000 balance in 2025 will be paid for through the Mayor's Office purchased services budget. Future funding for the annual amount of the contract is contingent on appropriations in future operating budgets. No additional appropriation required in 2025.
The substitute requires that the contract include a provision which requires The Welch Group to report at least quarterly to the Common Council or the Common Council Executive Committee.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a non-competitive Purchase of Services Contract with The Welch Group for government affairs and strategic advocacy services for one year with the option of two one-year renewals.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has a pressing need for expanded bipartisan representation and strategic guidance in state level affairs given the long-term trend of the state legislature decreasing state aid to local governments and restricting local revenues; and
WHEREAS, there are a very small number of full-service government affairs firms in Madison that offer both representation in the capital and strategic advice, have strong demonstrated bipartisan relationships, and have the capacity to take on a client of the size and breadth of interest of the City of Madison; and
WHEREAS, The Welch Group (“Welch”) has spent over twenty years focusing on representing a wide range of clients in public af...
Click here for full text