Created in 2008, Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle, entertainment, and community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of over 43,000 residents. Schertz Magazine has a monthly circulation of 16,000 copies and reaches over 60,000 people.

The Parks and Rec Fun Guide was created in the spring of 2018 and highlights all the exciting events, programs, and recreational opportunities in the City of Schertz. The Fun Guide is produced three times a year.

The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) was created in 2024 and highlights annual achievements by departments as well as city financial information. The PAFR is produced annually in the spring.

The current graphic design services agreement with My House of Design expires on September 30, 2024. In order to secure a new agreement for graphic design services, a formal procurement (RFP) for printing services was published on June 17, 2024 with a closing date of July 10, 2024. A total of three firms submitted bids and City staff from Public Affairs and the Library evaluated the bids. The bids were scored on several criteria to include the firm's qualifications, abilities, and references, the quality of proposed services, the responsiveness of the proposal and the overall price. After evaluation, the scores were compiled, and My House of Design was the highest scoring firm with a proposed annual cost of $55,993.00 for graphic design services for Schertz Magazine, the Parks and Rec Fun Guide and the PAFR. Magazine costs are offset by advertising revenue which is projected to be $125,000.00 annually.

City staff believes that My House of Design offers the best qualified proposal based on the evaluation criteria and recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with My House of Design for graphic design services for Schertz Magazine as well as the Parks & Recreation Guides and the PAFR.

The City desires to enter into an agreement with My House of Design for graphic design services. The scope of work will include graphic design and layout of monthly editions of Schertz Magazine, (3) Parks & Rec FUN Guides and the Popular Annual Financial Report. 

Staff can continue to communicate the City’s message(s) to Schertz residents through Schertz Magazine, the City’s largest and most successful communication tool. Schertz residents will continue to receive Schertz Magazine, Parks and Rec Fun Guides, and the PAFR.    

Staff recommends Council approval of Resolution 24-R-103 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a three-year agreement with the option to renew for two (2) additional terms of one (1) year each with My House of Design for graphic design services. 

Expenditures under this agreement will be based on the price list included in the attached agreement. The design of Schertz Magazine will be funded through available and approved funding in the Public Affairs Design Services budget. The design of Parks and Rec Fun Guides and the PAFR will be funded through available and approved funding in the Public Affairs Professional Services budget. The annual cost for graphic design services for Schertz Magazine, Parks and Rec FUN Guide, and the PAFR is estimated to be $55,993.00.