KIRKWOOD, Mo. — The City Council on Thursday approved a resolution awarding distribution system line‑worker services to Black & McDonald under a 12‑month initial term with up to four one‑year renewals, and councilmembers discussed the longer‑term budget impacts of earlier, capital‑driven staffing increases.

Staff explained the contract includes lump‑sum prices for common distribution activities (pole assemblies, line work) rather than hourly charges and that annual renewal rates typically include modest cost‑of‑living adjustments (about 3.5 percent). Mark (last name not given in record), speaking for staff, described the contract as a continuation of work to finish substation and circuit modernization funded by certificates of participation (COPS) and other capital sources.

Council members asked about historical line‑worker costs. Staff said the city’s fiscal year 2025 costs were approximately $2.3 million because of the expanded capital program, and they expect the contracted expense to reduce toward a pre‑COPS level—an approximate target of $800,000 per year—beginning this fall as major projects conclude.

Councilmember McLean asked for clarification on when the budget would return to pre‑COPS levels; staff said reductions begin this fall and should be evident by fiscal year 2027. The resolution authorizes the mayor to enter into the contract; the vote to accept the resolution was unanimous.

The contract award includes renewal options tied to future capital availability and authorizes the city to use the contractor for storm and emergency response as needed.