Board approves request for proposals to evaluate privatizing grounds maintenance

The board approved staff’s request to advertise a request for proposals for commercial grounds‑maintenance services to analyze whether contracting out the work would improve efficiency and sustainability.

Mister Wilkerson told the board the district now relies on two full‑time and six part‑time staff to maintain grounds; part‑time work is seasonal and difficult to staff. He said previous comparisons did not include all benefit and fringe costs and staff want to model full costs and services in order to compare alternatives fairly.

Trustees asked how the district will solicit bids and whether local companies will be contacted; Wilkerson said the district will send the RFP to local contractors and advertise more broadly. He said staff will analyze proposals on cost and services and return findings and a recommendation to the board.

Ending
The motion to publish the RFP passed by voice vote. Staff said they will present a comparison of costs, services and local hiring implications for board review before any contracting decision.