Legislation Details

File #: 2149-2026    Version: 1
Type: Ordinance Status: First Reading
File created: 7/20/2026 In control: Public Utilities & Sustainability Committee
On agenda: 8/31/2026 Final action:
Title: To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to modify an existing contract with Irvin Public Relations, LLC. for strategic communication services, extending the term up to and including October 31, 2027; and to authorize the expenditure of $90,000.00 split between the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds. ($90,000.00)
Attachments: 1. Ord. 2149-2026 - Financials, 2. Ord. 2149-2026 - SOS - Irvin Public Relations, 3. Ord. 2149-2026 - Scope
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting Details
No records to display.
Explanation

Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Columbus Water & Power to modify an existing contract with Irvin Public Relations, LLC. for strategic communication services. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $90,000.00. The original contract was authorized by Ordinance 2482-2023.

The first and second stages of this project conducted a communication audit of Columbus Water & Power’s (CWP) communication tools. The audit involved interviews with City Council, Department staff, and City management. It also evaluated the Department’s existing tools and practices comparing them with other local jurisdictions best practices, and reviewed compliance requirements with public records laws. A written report containing information on current usage, industry best practices, and opportunities for growth was provided. The report also contained an assessment of the organizational capacity. The contract provided the Department with basic storytelling, photography, social media, and video skills that were essential in developing the Department’s overall communications strategy.

The third stage of the strategic communication services project continued to provide CWP with basic storytelling, photography, social media, and video skills. It also continued to develop the Department’s overall communications strategy and allow its stories to be communicated in a way that aligns with its mission and vision. This fourth stage will include continued work for CWP strategic communications, including assistance on rebranding, public relations for the blueprint project for the year with story ideas for media pitches and media coverage, identifying key community partnerships to amplify the work of CWP, hosting meetings, strategy calls, and providing updates, and design work for social media, print collateral and the quarterly employee newsletter. The vendor will also continuing work on the Home Road Water Plant Groundbreaking event and the CWP B...

Click here for full text