PREPARED BY: ELIZABETH LOPEZ DATE OF MEETING: 02/02/2026
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION (1) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TRIPEPI SMITH & ASSOCIATES FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH CONSULTING FOR A POTENTIAL SALES TAX MEASURE FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000; AND (2) APPROPRIATING $100,000 FROM FY 2025-26 GENERAL FUND DESIGNATED RESERVES BY BUDGET TRANSFER TO INCREASE THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BUDGET LINE BY $100,000 TO FUND THE AGREEMENT
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2025-27 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statement
WHEREAS, Explore Feasibility and Implementation of New General Fund Revenue Mechanisms is an adopted policy item under City of San Pablo City Council Priority Work Plan FY 2025-27, effective April 7, 2025.
BACKGROUND
On December 16, 2024, via Resolution 2024-149, the City Council adopted the revised Policy Amendment No. 10, which focused on Economic Development and Fiscal Diversification. It included revisions to adopted Policy No. 405 Explore and Sustain New Revenue Enhancement to the City's General Fund. One of the policies added was #405.3 Explore Feasibility and Implementation of New General Fund Revenue Mechanisms. One of the revenue mechanisms under Policy #405.3 is implementing a ½ cent or 1 cent sales tax (majority vote required).
Tripepi Smith & Associates ("Tripepi Smith") is a company with a deep understanding of the dynamics of local communities. They have worked with over 250 local government agencies for communication needs. Tripepi has experience developing comprehensive educational campaigns to inform voters.
A proposed consulting services agreement is attached to the staff report to contract Tripepi Smith to provide education and outreach services to the City regarding a potential sales tax measure. Tripepi's scope of services include:
• Strategizing an educational outreach plan;
• Developing key messaging and talking points;
• Creating and managing an informational webpage on the sales tax measure;
• Provide strategy and advice on responding to social media comments and messages related to the sales tax measure;
• Producing informational mailers (Community Services and Tax Matters);
• Creating post designs for publication on social media sites;
• Drafting press releases on the sales tax measure; and
• Producing optional creative elements, such as an animated explainer video.
This proposed Resolution authorizes the City Manager to enter into a Consulting Services Agreement ("Agreement") with Tripepi Smith in an amount not to exceed $100,000. The agreement would end on December 31, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed resolution approves a contract with Tripepi Smith in the amount not to exceed $100,000 and appropriated $100,000 from FY 2025-26 GFDR Fund Balance (Fund 110) to the City Manager's Office Professional Services Budget Line (Account 100-1310-43600).
ATTACHMENTS:
Att A - Resolution
Att B - Tripepi Smith Agreement