Council authorizes 36‑month all‑in fixed electric supply contract after consultant recommendation

Taneytown Mayor and Council gave unanimous consensus Sept. 3 to proceed with a 36‑month, all‑in fixed electric supply contract after a market briefing from CQI Associates LLC and a recommendation to lock in price stability.

CQI Associates LLC consultant Richard (presenter) told the council the firm reviewed competitive bids and market charts and recommended an all‑in fixed price contract for budget stability. Richard said the firm’s analysis showed an upward market trend continuing into 2026 but noted longer terms (36 months) would capture the expected later market decline while providing the town budget certainty. “My recommendation is definitely do 24, but strongly consider the 36,” Richard said; the presenter and mayor put the group on a 36‑month preference during discussion.

City staff identified WGO as the winning supplier in the competitive process. Council agreed that the mayor or the city manager (Jim) would be authorized to sign the contract once finalized. The council chair recorded an “unanimous consensus” that the town move forward; staff indicated the supplier would be notified and that final contract documents and account reconciliations would be completed and sent for signature the following day.

The consultant summarized the two procurement options presented: an all‑in fixed price (which covers base energy, capacity, transmission and other fees locked for the contract term) versus an energy‑only contract with capacity and transmission passed through. The council’s choice favors budget predictability, the consultant said.

The council did not take a roll‑call vote on a formal motion during the workshop; minutes will record the consensus and the authorization for signature.

The contract will cover the town’s municipal accounts identified in the procurement process and will be executed by the authorized signer after staff finalizes the contract with the selected supplier.