During a recent government meeting, city council members discussed a proposed contract for ornamental plant plugs, valued at $450,000, which would be awarded to a company based in Chicago. The contract is set to run from the time of city council approval through July 2026.

The discussion was sparked by concerns raised by Vincent, a member of the Cherokee organizer group, who questioned the decision to hire an out-of-state vendor instead of sourcing locally. He emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and asked for clarification on why local suppliers were not considered before opting for a Chicago-based company.

In response, Tamika Williams from the procurement department explained that the contract had been put on hold at the administration's request but was now being moved forward for approval. Lorraine Smith from the General Services Department (GSD) added that the bidding process had been conducted, and the Chicago vendor was selected as the lowest bidder. She noted that inquiries about the bidding process should be directed to the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) for further details.

The council is expected to vote on the motion to move the contract to formal session, where it will be considered for approval. The discussion highlights ongoing concerns about local procurement practices and the potential economic impact of sourcing contracts from outside the community.