Albuquerque's City Council thinks it needs better press: so it has hired a public relations firm.City Council President Ken Sanchez said the decision comes just as Albuquerque has been getting a lot of national attention over police-involved shootings, the Department of Justice investigation and recent protests."You know, I think it'll be resourceful to the city of Albuquerque, especially in these difficult times, and the agenda items coming forward and some of the issues we are confronting and dealing with," Sanchez said about the contract with Albuquerque-based PR firm Garrity Group.The deal, he said, is worth $25,000.Sanchez called that a deal compared to the cost of hiring a full time public information officer."It's beneficial to bring in a firm to help us out without having to spend like the mayor has, $85,000 for a PIO for the police department," he said.Sanchez said his staff shopped around differed public relations firms in town to find the best fit.Action 7 News' search of the city of Albuquerque's website found nothing advertising a job like the one he described.Garrity Group said it is in negotiations with Albuquerque City Council, "but do not have a completed contract or are doing work for the City Council at this time."Sanchez said the PR firm will field questions from the media and work with city councilors and staff on the best way to respond to the community, adding that the endeavor is unprecedented."This is the first time ever in the history of City Council we have hired a contractor to help us with the public information," Sanchez said.Mobile users: Click HERE for Laura's full on-air report