During a recent city council meeting, concerns were raised regarding a lack of communication about a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) related to animal control services in Quincy. The president of the Quincy Humane Society expressed surprise at not being notified about the RFQ until the night before the meeting, despite being a registered vendor. This revelation prompted questions about the transparency and process surrounding the bidding for the contract, which is valued at $208,000 annually for five years.

The speaker highlighted that two prominent non-profit animal rescues in Quincy, including Homer Bound Wagon, were unaware of the RFQ, raising concerns about potential breakdowns in the notification system. The speaker urged the council to consider tabling the motion to approve the contract until further investigation could be conducted to ensure that all qualified organizations had the opportunity to participate in the bidding process.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of the contract, with the speaker noting that non-profit organizations typically operate at lower costs due to their funding structures, which include grants and fundraising. The speaker emphasized the importance of exploring all available options for animal control services to ensure taxpayer money is spent efficiently.

As the meeting progressed, council members discussed the legalities of the bidding process, including the possibility of rejecting the current qualifications and issuing a new RFQ. The council is now faced with the decision of how to proceed, balancing the need for transparency with the urgency of securing animal control services for the city.