For approximately the past 20 years, Billings has contracted with an individual to represent the City at the Montana Legislature.  The current contract with Ed Bartlett LLC expires June 30, 2014.  Mr. Bartlett has been the City's lobbyist since 2008.  The initial contract term was for two (2) years and in 2010 the Council approved the present two (2) year contract with an option to extend it for two (2) years.  The proposed contract for 2014-2015 is a renewal of the 2010 contract with the same terms and condition.  A two year extension option is included. The Scope of Work is shown on Exhibit A and the estimated fees are on Exhibit B. 

The City Council may:

• Approve the proposed contract for Legislative lobbying services with Ed Bartlett, LLC;
• Disapprove the proposed contract and provide guidance to staff on how the Council wants to conduct legislative lobbying in 2015 and beyond. 

The estimated FY 15 fee and costs equal $44,660 and the FY 16 estimated cost is $27,500.  The City Administrator's proposed FY 15 budget contains $45,000 in the General Fund, Non-departmental account.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the 2014 - 2016 Legislative lobbying contract with Ed Bartlett, LLC, including a two (2) year extension option.