The Santa Paula City Council on June 30 approved a fourth amendment to its professional services agreement with Mercantile Merchant McIntyre and Associates to provide federal legislative and appropriations advocacy.

Councilmember Cornejo asked staff about the proposed fee and whether it represented a reduction from prior years; staff confirmed the contract amount for the coming year is reduced. Councilmember Cornejo said he had "experienced their expertise" and that the firm should prove itself in the changed federal environment.

City staff described recent results from federal advocacy. City Manager Singer reported that in the past two years federal advocacy and staff efforts produced approximately $2 million for the Harvard Boulevard project and nearly $1 million for the Mesa Tank project; staff also said the city is on a short list for a potential $2 million crosstown pipeline award this year. "It's been quite substantial," Singer said of the recent awards.

Councilmembers noted the contract includes month-to-month exit language, giving the city flexibility if federal appropriations slow. Councilmember Cornejo moved approval and the vice mayor seconded; the motion passed without recorded opposition.

Staff said the contract will continue to be monitored and that council can terminate if federal funding results do not meet expectations.