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Transportation contractors and drivers tell board of bid disputes and disciplinary complaints
Summary
Several transportation contractors and long-time independent contractors told the board they face disciplinary warnings and bid changes they say unfairly penalize them; speakers asked for transparency and protection from retaliation.
Multiple speakers during the public comment period raised concerns about transportation contracting and disciplinary actions affecting independent contractors and driver bids.
Brandy Vickers, who identified herself as an independent contractor with 18 years of experience supporting routing and communication for the transportation office, said she received a disciplinary warning after advising drivers and assisting with routing. "I do not want to be penalized for a rule I did not break," Vickers said, asserting she had asked permission for the action she was criticized for.
Andrea Morton, another speaker representing longtime contractors, said contractors had been treated as a problem by prior and current administrations and described a hostile work environment. Morton said changes to a bid released that day could prevent certain bidders from succeeding and linked disciplinary actions to bid scoring. "There was a change that just came out today that directly tries to prohibit her bid from being successful," Morton said.
Speakers asked the board to ensure fair treatment, investigate discipline procedures, and protect workers from retaliation. The board acknowledged the comments and said the public comment period had allowed the speakers to express concerns; no immediate board action was taken during the meeting.
The concerns were raised alongside other labor and contract questions during a meeting that also featured the treasurer’s budget presentation and votes on policies and personnel.
