The Narragansett Town Council on Jan. 6 continued consideration of a bid award for seasonal trash-receptacle collection after a member of the public raised concerns that the lowest bidder is a town employee and that awarding the contract could violate the town charter.

The council had put forward a motion to award the contract to Joe Harvey Landscaping LLC at the quoted prices (the meeting record cites "$50,387.5 per barrel" in the agenda item text). During public comment a resident alleged the contract had been given to a town employee without appropriate opportunity for municipal employees (union members) to perform the work and that the charter “prohibits giving a contract to a town employee.” The commenter said he would consider filing a complaint with the state attorney general if the council proceeded.

Dr. Al Alba, a resident, said he saw no issue if the award had gone through a competitive process and the price was substantially lower than alternatives, and he suggested the town solicitor review the matter. Town counsel recommended further review; the council voted to continue the item to the Jan. 21, 2025 meeting to allow staff and the solicitor time to examine the legal questions. The continuation motion passed 5-0.

Councilors noted that the bid process included two bidders and a substantial price difference between them; some council members said they did not want to withhold action without reviewing the charter provision and procurement history. The item will return to the agenda after the town solicitor and staff provide legal guidance.