New spending details are being revealed, regarding the City of Amarillo's "Wise Investments" program.
The "Wise Investments" program, which was launched by the City of Amarillo, in July, was used as a tool for City officials to help formulate public information regarding public improvements. The program, enacted under former Interim City Manager Terry Childers, later produced the items found in this month's municipal bond election. And new information obtained by The Amarillo Pioneer may give Amarilloans a better idea about how this program came into being.
Information obtained through a public records request, shows that Mary Coyne Marketing performed services for the City of Amarillo to develop "Wise Investments." Receipts show that the first work performed on the "Wise Investments" package was done on May 18th, and included messaging development services for $300 and research for a "situation document" for $375. Public relations strategy services, which were preformed multiple times between May 18th and August 14th, included items in many different categories, ranging from Spanish brochure editing to editing news briefings.
The first invoice received by the City for the services by Mary Coyne Marketing was received on June 3, 2016. This invoice was for $6,637.50. The next invoice was received on July 5, 2016, which was for $26,775. July's expenses totaled $7,537.50, according to an invoice from August. And the final invoice on September 8th was for $3,750.
The information developed by Mary Coyne Advertising was used for information in "Wise Investments" presentations. Presentations were conducted by Interim City Manager Terry Childers on several occasions.
The "Wise Investments" program developed a list of necessities for the community, which were then sent to Amarillo voters in seven municipal bond propositions on November 8th. Voters defeated five of seven propositions developed through "Wise Investments."
