Council pauses concrete contract price changes, asks staff to prepare RFP

Destin — City councilors on Monday paused approval of an amended exhibit to the city’s continuing concrete services contract after several members expressed concern about substantial price increases and directed staff to prepare a competitive procurement package. Why it matters: Council members noted that some unit prices had doubled or tripled since a 2021 contract, and they questioned whether larger increases should be accepted without a competitive bid. Staff said the original contract dates to 2021, an adjustment to prices occurred in 2023, and that the contract contains a termination‑for‑convenience clause requiring five days’ notice. What council decided: Councilman Destin moved to table consideration of the pricing adjustment to the next meeting and instructed staff to prepare a request for proposals (continuing services procurement) for fiscal year 2026. Council members discussed interim options — including having the current contractor honor existing prices until a new RFP is awarded — and directed staff to return with a procurement package to enable timely rebidding. Staff notes: Public Works staff told council the city has pending needs for concrete and that an RFP process would typically take around 60 days to solicit and evaluate responses. Staff recommended going to bid in FY26 because the existing contract began in 2021. Ending: Council voted to move the item to the next meeting and asked staff to bring an RFP/procurement package so the city can solicit new continuing services bids if needed.