MILTON — The City Council has approved issuing a request for proposals to select a recruitment firm specializing in businesses and retailers.
City Manager Brian Watkins said the RFP would be sent to specialized firms that will then submit a proposal package for the council’s consideration.
Watkins said he met with several recruitment firms’ representatives after taking a trip with other county officials, including SRC Economic Development Director Shannon Ogletree and former County Commissioner Jayer Williamson, to the International Council of Shopping Centers Retail Convention, Recon in Las Vegas.
“I met with four of them out there … I know those four people will submit,” Watkins said. “From there, we will review those packages and make a recommendation.”
Some of these firms include Retail Strategies and The Retail Coach, Watkins said, adding these companies will explore different aspects of the Milton area along with how to attract businesses.
“First thing they will do is come in and do an assessment for the city of Milton,” Watkins said.
Other aspects include surveying the demographics of Milton and identifying which retailers are needed in the area.
Bringing in a firm could cost as much as $150,000. However, the cost would not have to be paid all at once.
“That $150,000 is for over three years … and it probably won’t be that much, but I think the most expensive one I have ever seen (there) was for $150,000,” Watkins said. “We have been building into next year’s budget the monies we would be required to do this.”
Regardless of which firm is selected, the goal is to bring more options to Milton, Watkins said.
“We are interested in seeing the empty store fronts and applying something there; maybe some more development downtown,” he said. “Everybody has been looking, wanting to see that kind of development.”
The RFP item will be part of the consent agenda at next week’s regular council meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton to seek recruitment firm for businesses, retail