Warren County Board of Supervisors Moves Forward with Communications Consultant Proposal

The Warren County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday to discuss various issues, with the most debated topic being a proposal to hire a communications consultant. The discussion highlighted concerns about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the role of direct communication between elected officials and the public.

Adjustments to the Consent Agenda

At the start of the meeting, the board voted to remove item 1, the authorization to advertise a public hearing for the Warren County Comprehensive Plan, tabling it until after the March 11 work session.

Supervisor Cheryl Cullers then requested that item 15, a proposal to seek quotes for a communications consultant, be pulled for discussion. The motion sparked a debate over whether hiring an outside firm was necessary or whether board members should be responsible for their own public communication.

Debate Over Communications Consultant

Cullers strongly opposed the proposal, calling it a waste of taxpayer money. She argued that elected officials should communicate directly with residents rather than relying on an intermediary.

“We are elected to represent the people,” Cullers said. “If the people want to talk to us, they want to get it from us. With money as tight as it is, this is an unnecessary burden on the community.”

She referenced past moments of public opposition to tax increases, adding that no amount of messaging would change public sentiment on certain issues. “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig,” she said.

Support for a Communications Specialist

Supervisor Richard Jamieson defended the proposal in response, arguing that a communications consultant would help ensure accurate, timely information reaches county residents.

“The Board of Supervisors has a fundamental duty to communicate effectively to our 30,000 taxpayers about matters affecting their daily lives,” Jamieson stated. He noted that professional communications support could assist in informing the public on key issues, including tax assessments, economic development efforts, and library-related decisions.

Jamieson also criticized local media, claiming that certain outlets had demonstrated bias, misquoted board members, and published unverified information. He cited national polling data that ranks the media among the least trusted institutions, arguing that direct communication from the county is now more critical than ever.

Additionally, he pointed out that the board had cut $55,000 from its own budget by forgoing benefits, suggesting that funding a communications consultant instead of those personal benefits was justified.

“This has a clear public benefit,” Jamieson stated.

Clarifying the Role of the Consultant

Other board members noted that the vote was not to approve hiring a consultant but to solicit proposals through a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

“We were throwing around $50,000, but we haven’t come up with a budget,” Vice Chair John Stanmeyer clarified. “This is just an RFP—it doesn’t make a final decision.”

County Administrator Dr. Ed Daley echoed this point, reminding the board that approving the draft motion would only allow them to seek proposals. By the time a decision would need to be made, it would be mid-March, leaving only a few months in the fiscal year for any potential spending.

The distinction between a communications consultant and a public relations firm was also highlighted. “This is not about marketing or selling ourselves to the public,” Stanmeyer added. “It’s just about having a professional handle communications.”

Final Vote and Financial Concerns

The Warren County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to request quotes for a communications consultant. Chairman Jerome “Jay” Butler, Vice Chair John Stanmeyer, and Supervisors Vicky Cook and Richard Jamieson voted in favor of the motion. Supervisor Cheryl Cullers voted against it.

Following the vote, Cullers expressed her frustration, pointing out that legal and administrative costs related to the ongoing library governance debate were mounting.

“We were supposed to be financially prudent with the library, and now we’re heading toward $100,000-plus just messing with the whole thing,” she said. “I think it’s just a darn shame.”

Looking Ahead

With the approval to seek proposals, the next step will be evaluating potential consultants and determining whether the county should hire one. The debate over communication strategy and financial priorities will continue as the board moves into the budget review process in the coming months.

Click here to watch the Warren County Board of Supervisors Meeting of February 4, 2025.