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File #: 26-046    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Action Items Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 12/19/2025 In control: City Council/Public Finance and Economic Development Authority/Parking Authority
On agenda: 1/20/2026 Final action:
Title: SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance in the General Fund in the Amount of $104,375 and Approval of an Agreement for Professional Services with the Lew Edwards Group to Provide Community Engagement and Communications Consulting Services REPORT IN BRIEF Considers approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in the General Fund in the amount of $104,375; and, approving an agreement for professional services with the Lew Edwards Group to provide community engagement and communications consulting services RECOMMENDATION City Council - Adopt a motion: A. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in the General Fund in the amount of $104,375; and, B. Approving an Agreement for Professional Services with The Lew Edwards Group in the amount of not to exceed $104,375; and, C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Attachments: 1. Summary of City of Merced Local Funding Measure Voter Survey, 2. LEG Professional Service Agreement, 3. Exhibit A – Scope of Services, 4. Exhibit B – Schedule of Charges, 5. Presentation
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
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Report Prepared by: Scott McBride, City Manager

Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance in the General Fund in the Amount of $104,375 and Approval of an Agreement for Professional Services with the Lew Edwards Group to Provide Community Engagement and Communications Consulting Services

REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in the General Fund in the amount of $104,375; and, approving an agreement for professional services with the Lew Edwards Group to provide community engagement and communications consulting services

RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:

A. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in the General Fund in the amount of $104,375; and,

B. Approving an Agreement for Professional Services with The Lew Edwards Group in the amount of not to exceed $104,375; and,

C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by the City Manager; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to staff for further study.

AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.

CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 Budget.

DISCUSSION
The City of Merced continues to prioritize long-term strategic planning for essential services and public facilities. In alignment with Council Goals and Priorities to consider options for locally-controlled revenue sources an Ad Hoc Sub Committee of the City Council was created for the purpose of discussing a new local measure or other options. This subcommittee has been integral in the process leading to the City Manager and staff recommendation.

Based on valuable information obtained through public engagement efforts through the public survey process, staff is recommending approval of a supplemental appropriation of $104,375 from the Unreserved, Unencumbered Fund Balance in the...

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