Clay County ranks The Southern Group top in lobbying RFP; staff to negotiate agreement

County staff conducted an RFP process for professional lobbying services and invited four firms to present: Capital City Consulting (Andrew Ketchal and John Moyle), Public Affairs Consultants (Kina Corey and team), The Fiorentino Group (Joe Mobley) and The Southern Group (Mercer Farrington and team).

Presenters described firm experience in appropriations, regulatory issues, and state-agency relationships. Commissioners asked about fees, expense coverage, team composition and strategies for Clay County priorities such as funding for roads, growth management and appropriations. Firms described different approaches and fee proposals (examples cited: Capital City $78,000/year inclusive; Public Affairs Consultants $42,000/year inclusive).

Commissioners privately scored the firms and recorded rankings; the Southern Group received a combined lowest score (9) and was identified as the top-ranked firm. Staff will now begin negotiations with the top-ranked firm and bring a proposed agreement to the board for approval.