The Financial and Administrative Committee on Aug. 7 approved a resolution to renew a cooperative agreement with Orkin LLC for pest control services at county‑managed facilities, with an estimated annual cost of $45,504. The contract covers routine exterior rodent repellent stations and on‑demand interior treatments at county properties and is funded from the county’s operational budget.

The county’s facilities director said the contract is a cooperative purchase and structured as a one‑year agreement with four annual renewal options. Committee members requested more detail about the contract’s practical effects and environmental impacts and asked staff to return before the next renewal with an analysis of alternatives that reduce risks to wildlife and non‑target animals. Committee members voted to require future renewals to come before this committee.

What the county said: Director Carrara said most services are exterior rodent‑repellent stations (monthly service) to control pest pressure at county buildings and facilities, and that interior work is performed as needed. The contract is fully funded through the county’s facilities budget.

Questions from members: Members asked whether the county evaluates the types of rodenticides or deterrents used and whether the department favors least‑harm approaches. Staff said facilities prioritize physical exclusion and structural remedies first (sealing entry points, thresholds, gaskets), and that interior pest treatments are used when necessary. Staff agreed to assemble information on the products and practices being deployed and to identify wildlife‑friendlier options and best practices before the next renewal.

Motion and vote: the resolution to authorize Orkin LLC for pest control was approved by the committee, with direction that renewals come back for committee review and that staff report on alternatives and mitigation of risks to wildlife and pets.

Why it matters: committee members raised instances where rodent baits can lead to secondary poisonings of non‑target animals and expressed interest in exploring trapping, exclusion, sanitation and other integrated pest‑management strategies. Members asked for a report that includes the current contract scope, product types, interior vs. exterior use, contract expiration date and pilot options for less‑toxic control methods.

Next steps: staff will provide a detailed contract inventory, identify product types and suppliers, and return to the committee with recommendations for alternatives ahead of the next contract renewal.