Shelby council approves non‑exclusive marketing agreement with logo safeguards after debate

Shelby, May 6 — The Shelby City Council voted to approve Resolution No. 18 (2024), authorizing a non‑exclusive marketing agreement with Utility Service Partners (doing business as Service Line Warranties of America) for residential water‑service, sewer lateral and in‑home plumbing warranty products, after the council amended the contract to strengthen oversight over city branding.

Council members raised concerns that the company's use of the city's logo on marketing materials could confuse residents about the city's role and appear to endorse a single vendor. One council member asked whether the city would grant an exclusive advantage if its letterhead or logo were used; staff and the vendor representative responded the license would be non‑exclusive, that the city would approve any material using the logo, and that the agreement could be modified to require explicit Council review.

Mr Martin moved to amend the language in the marketing‑agreement paragraph requiring "the City's prior review and approval" to read "City Council's prior review and approval." The council approved that amendment by roll call and then voted to adopt Resolution No. 18 with the amendment. Staff said they will work with the vendor on branding language and that any city‑branded communications would be subject to prior approval.

The contract is non‑exclusive; staff said similar arrangements have been used with other utility‑aggregation or vendor programs. Council members asked staff to ensure contractual language protects the city and that residents are not confused about the city's responsibilities versus vendor services.