The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted to approve an agreement with Paragon Government Relations for federal legislative and regulatory advocacy services in a not-to-exceed amount of $187,660.

Matthew Rothstein, chief deputy county administrative officer, told the board the county issued Request for Proposals No. 2434 and received nine proposals; a selection panel of county staff and representatives from the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake interviewed the top five respondents and ranked Paragon first. “Staff recommends your board approve this agreement with Paragon Government Relations in the not to exceed amount of $187,660 contingent on the protest period elapsing without a valid protest,” Rothstein said.

The agreement provides a $7,000 initial monthly retainer and covers travel and other direct expenses if one or more Paragon staff must fly to California solely on county business, Rothstein said. He noted Paragon represents the California State Association of Counties and has worked on federal advocacy programs for Humboldt and Nevada counties.

Joe Kron of Paragon Government Relations, on the Zoom call, addressed concerns about potential client conflicts, particularly related to Humboldt County’s interests. “We will address that head on if that's the case,” Kron said, adding that Paragon has had few conflict situations and would raise any potential conflict with both Lake County and the other client.

Supervisor Sabatier expressed confidence in Paragon’s experience but asked how conflicts between clients would be handled. Rothstein said some tasks, such as scheduling meetings, could be supported by Paragon while county staff would continue to represent Lake County internally. The board’s vice chair thanked staff and city partners for collaborating on the selection.

During public comment, Ben Bridal asked for tangible objectives and timelines in the contract. Bridal said he would like contract language that includes “real deliverables rather than running the camp.” Rothstein and board members replied that the board — not staff — will set a full list of federal priorities at the governance workshop scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Supervisor Sabatier moved to approve the agreement and authorize the chair to sign; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The action authorizes county staff to finalize the contract, contingent on the protest period elapsing without a valid challenge.

Next steps include the Jan. 28 governance workshop, where the board will deliberate and adopt the county’s federal priorities that Paragon will pursue under the contract.