In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the selection process for a contractor to manage the county's water and sewer services. Council members criticized the lack of transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process, highlighting that two of the three candidates were closely associated with county administration—one being an employee and the other a contractor. The third candidate reportedly lacked familiarity with the county's existing operations.

Members of the council expressed frustration over the short notice given for the meeting, which left little time for proper review of documents or public input. They emphasized that the standing public service committee had not been adequately consulted, undermining the county's ordinance that mandates thorough evaluation and public engagement in such processes.

Concerns were also raised about the potential financial implications of the contractor's management fees, which could reach approximately $2.1 million. This figure, when compared to the allocated $450,000 for repairs and maintenance, raised alarms about the sustainability of the budget and the risk of depleting funds if unexpected expenses arose.

The council members argued that the current approach, which involved a request for qualifications (RFQ) rather than a request for proposals (RFP), limited the opportunity to explore innovative solutions and competitive pricing. They pointed out that the last contract was written by the contractor themselves, raising questions about the fairness and adequacy of the terms.

Overall, the discussions underscored a pressing need for a more structured and inclusive process in selecting contractors, ensuring that the county's needs and the voices of its stakeholders are adequately represented.