In a recent meeting of the Loomis Town Council, held on December 14, 2023, discussions centered around the town's engineering contracts, raising concerns about the number of subcontractors and the associated costs. The atmosphere was charged as council members and residents alike grappled with the implications of spending over $1.3 million on engineering services, a figure that has sparked debate about fiscal responsibility in a town of just 6,000 residents.

The meeting began with procedural discussions, where items from the consent calendar were pulled for further consideration. Notably, items 7 and 8 were highlighted for their significant financial implications. A resident, expressing frustration, questioned the necessity of employing multiple engineering firms, suggesting that the town could benefit from hiring a full-time engineer instead. "We don't have that many projects that warrant over half a million dollars in engineering services," he argued, emphasizing the need for the council to scrutinize such expenditures more closely.

In response, town officials defended the use of consultants, explaining that the costs are often reimbursable through developer fees, particularly in light of ongoing projects like the Costco development. Town staff noted that the engineering contracts, some of which have been in place since 2018, are structured to provide flexibility and expertise that a single full-time employee might not offer. They acknowledged the need for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to invite new proposals, committing to reevaluate the current contracts early next year.

Council members also reassured the public that they actively review the detailed packets provided before meetings and engage with staff regularly to clarify any concerns. "We do look at our packets and read them," one council member stated, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication between the council and the community.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved towards approving the consent agenda, with a commitment to address the concerns raised about engineering costs in future discussions. The dialogue underscored a broader conversation about fiscal stewardship and the balance between utilizing external expertise and managing town resources effectively. With new contracts on the horizon, Loomis residents will be watching closely to see how their town navigates these challenges in the coming year.