11 - Redistricting Services - contract with Allison Bass McGee

Home Browse Search

Item No. 11 t TO: City Council Grayson Path, City Manager FROM: Stephanie H. Harris, City Attorney SUBJECT: Retention of Allison, Bass & McGee, L.L.P. to conduct 2020 census analysis and determine requirements for redistricting DATE: April 12, 2021 BACKGROUND: After each decennial census, each political subdivision that elects representatives from geographical districts such as the City of Paris must engage in a "redistricting process." This process involves detailed analysis of the new census information to determine whether changes in population (both in total numbers of residents and in the numbers and makeup of populations within existing geographical districts) require redistricting, and if so, redrawing existing districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The process is complicated, multi -step, one, and it is required by law. Because it is complicated, it is necessary to retain an outside consultant to conduct the analysis and to recommend changes to existing district boundaries if such changes are necessary. STATUS OF ISSUE: I have contacted Allison, Bass & McGee, L.L.P. of Austin, Texas about providing these services, and the firm has agreed to represent the city in this endeavor. Of note, the firm assisted the city in redistricting efforts in 2011, and has been retained by Lamar County and Paris Independent School District for their redistricting process this year. There is a logical and financial incentive to use the same firm, as each entity requires analysis of much of the same census data. Allison, Bass & McGee also represents governmental entities all over the state of Texas. BUDGET: The firm has set a fixed fee of $15,500.00, with $7,750.00 (the initial assessment fee) to be paid when the city executes the Flat Rate/Fixed Fee for Professional Services contract (attached hereto, and which includes a three page scope of services), which will come out of this year's budget, and a like payment due on October 31, 2021 (next year's budget). If the initial assessment indicates that the existing boundaries for council districts do not require redistricting under state and federal law and that no legal basis exists for further redistricting services, there