To: Board of Supervisors
From: Aaron J. McAlister, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. Contract Amendment
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a contract amendment with Townsend Pubic Affairs to increase the payment limit by $60,000, to a new payment limit of $240,000, and extend the term from June 30, 2026 through June 30 2027, for continued state and legislative advocacy and grant writing services for Contra Costa County Fire Prevention District.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted, 100% General Operating Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) seeks to continue strengthening its state and federal legislative advocacy efforts and expanding opportunities to secure external funding in support of District operations, programs, and capital priorities. To support these objectives, the District proposes extending its agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for continued legislative advocacy and grant writing services.
Under the extended agreement, Townsend Public Affairs will continue assisting the District with development of legislative priorities, monitoring and analysis of legislation affecting fire districts, advocacy before state and federal agencies and legislative bodies, and coordination with partner organizations and stakeholders. The consultant will also continue identifying and pursuing grant funding opportunities, developing and submitting grant applications, providing strategic funding support, and assisting with post-award compliance and reporting, as needed. These services are intended to enhance the District’s ability to advocate for its interests and secure additional funding resources to support fire protection and emergency response services.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this agreement is not approved the District will no longer benefit from state and legislative advocacy and grant writing services provided by Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.