Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Dec. 3, 2025

Business Meeting: Dec. 9, 2025

Summary:

Ratify a contract with Columbia Policy Advisors LLC for lobbying services.

Publications:

Cover Letter To: Josh Weiss: josh@columbia-policy.com Troy Nichols: troy@thenicholsgroupgr.com

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County identified a need for a consultant to provide lobbying services, including strategic advice and help planning the development of annual comprehensive state affairs strategies for the county; and

WHEREAS, after advertising a Request for Proposals (RFP) with all the appropriate and necessary notifications, Lewis County contracted with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs (GTH) via Resolution 22-287 to provide lobbying services through December 21, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) extended the Consulting Agreement's term to December 31, 2024, via Resolution 23-414, and then to December 31, 2025, via Resolution 24-471; and

WHEREAS, following a staffing change at GTH, the BOCC approved an Assignment of Consulting Agreement via Resolution 25-086, assigning all of GTH's rights, obligations, and interests under the Consulting Agreement to Columbia Policy Advisors LLC effective May 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC feels it is in the best interest of the county to extend the county's contract with Columbia Policy Advisors.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC (1) extends the Consulting Agreement with Columbia Policy Advisors through December 31, 2026, for an amount totaling up to $5,000 a month; and (2) authorizes the County Manager to sign the agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, on behalf of the BOCC.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 9th day of December, 2025.