Ottawa County commissioners approve up-to-$100,000 RFP for outside strategic plan after split vote

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize county administration to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for up to $100,000 to procure outside assistance in developing a countywide strategic plan, with vendor review and final approval assigned to the strategic planning committee.

The decision followed more than an hour of discussion during which commissioners and members of the public debated whether the administrator or an external consultant should lead the effort. Commissioner Bergman said he worried the proposal duplicated what the county administrator should do: “Isn’t that John Gibbs’ job? If so, why do we need Mister Gibbs at all?”

Supporters said outside expertise could help produce a coordinated, measurable plan. Commissioner Cosby said the investment could yield future savings and clearer program alignment: “I see it as a potential cost savings in the future, if we get the right strategic plan in place,” she said.

Opponents asked for more detail on scope and outcomes before authorizing the full amount. Several commissioners suggested a smaller pilot or clearer narrative components to avoid an overly metrics-driven plan; Commissioner Zalstra emphasized the importance of preserving narrative vision as well as metrics.

Deputy County Administrator Ben Whitmore told commissioners staff had surveyed comparables and identified a vendor universe but had not yet negotiated detailed fees. He said the board could compress or expand the RFP timeline as needed and that vendor review would occur through the strategic planning committee.

The motion — to issue an RFP for up to $100,000 with vendor review by the strategic planning committee — passed on a roll-call vote.

What happens next: staff will finalize an RFP scope and timeline and post it for proposals. The strategic planning committee will evaluate responses and recommend a vendor to the full board for approval. The chair and supporters said the process could be scaled down if responses exceed the budget cap.