After tabling discussion of the contract at its March 17 meeting pending reference checks and other research, the council on April 7 followed city staff's recommendation to enter an agreement with Randall Funding & Development Inc.

City administrative analyst Cary Bloomquist presented a side-by-side comparison of Randall and competitor Seliger + Associates at the meeting, illustrating each firm's history and success in obtaining grants for other clients.

Though Bloomquist said he checked references and tried to obtain data regarding the companies' work with demographically similar cities, he said it is difficult to compare Saratoga's funding needs and grant eligibility to those of other municipalities. Still, he said he felt Randall could do a better job.

"Saratoga, like all cities, has its own set of unique needs," he said. "In speaking with Randall Funding, they've assured me that they can basically tailor their program to Saratoga's specific needs. Based on their track record, we have a pretty good shot of getting whatever we contract to go after."

After hearing a presentation from company chairman and CEO Dan Randall (Seliger + Associates did not send a representative), council members voted for City Manager Dave Anderson to enter into the contract. Under that agreement, the city will pay the company $3,000 per month and a 3 percent incentive fee—with a $10,000 cap—for each grant awarded.

Randall said his staff would sit down with city representatives as soon as the contract was signed to begin a needs-assessment study and begin pursuing grant money. He also said the contract would include grant writing for city services such as the school district and community organizations.

Councilman Stan Bogosian said he was comfortable approving the contract, but wanted to make sure the council reviews Randall's success in about six months, and his fellow council members agreed.

Councilman Norman Kline said he did not want to delay any further in awarding the contract.

"This is something the city should have done 10 or 15 years ago," Kline said. "There are many, many [grant] opportunities out there."

Mayor Ann Waltonsmith said the services of a professional grant writer will likely be well worth the cost, since the city does not have the staffing or resources to pursue grants on its own.

"I know that we've all been saying, 'If we don't ask, we're not going to get anything,'" she said. "But I also know there's no such thing as a free lunch."

The authorization passed unanimously.