ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The city of Orange Beach is working to keep a closer watch on Capitol Hill.

“We need to have more information and more data as to what’s going on in the state and federal level,” City Administrator Ken Grimes said. “And our staff people are in may cases presidents and officers of their associations.”

Grimes said professionals at the city were untapped resources to gather accurate information. Now they are being utilized with the inception of the Legislative Review Committee.

Mayor Tony Kennon said the staff can rapidly gather information through professional associations and trade organizations and use it to acquire a better understanding of potential laws.

“They can call upon — when any legislation comes down whether it be federal or state — their own peer group. Then we might have everyone in the state giving us information as to what the pros and cons are of any proposed legislation,” Grimes said.

He explained there are three ways to look at a proposed bill: to oppose a law that is negative for the city; to agree with a law that is beneficial to the city; and to be on alert of the ever-changing world of government.

Orange Beach is a unique municipality. Being situated along the coast opens the door to more than just city issues to be concerned with.

To make the committee effective, e-mails of a proposed bill are sent to all members giving them the chance to research and see what it does for Orange Beach.

“We’re taking what all research tells us, looking at what is proposed on the state Web site, then we’re taking what the lobbyists present and we’re trying to zip lots and lots of e-mails while their in session so we can communicate digitally so we can be fast and effective to get people’s input,” Grimes said. “So we can then turn right around and tell our representatives and our senators what we found and what our concerns may be, for or against any legislation.”

The group was born from Kennon’s plan to build a stronger city. He recognized the Alabama Legislature and the United States Congress made yearly decisions that affect Orange Beach, either directly or indirectly, and felt the city needed a bigger voice in the process.

His plan is for the committee to constantly monitor legislation concerning topics like public safety, planning and zoning, environmental and economic development and even fishing.

Several years ago the city hired state lobbyist Martin Christie with Christie Strategy Group and federal lobbyist Ray Cole with Van Scoyoc.

The two men get paid to provide the city with a voice in legislation. According to city clerk Cathy Constantino, Cole’s yearly salary was reduced in January to $60,000, and Martin’s yearly salary is $52,000. Grimes said the council is planning to reduce Martin’s salary.

Grimes said keeping the two lobbyists with the city makes the city money. He said the grants the lobbyists bring to the city and their watchful eye of bills far pay for their salary.

“They find ways to seek funding,” Grimes said. “One wrong bill that gets past that hurts you can cost you $100,000.”