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Hernando School Board renews tree-trimming contract amid objections over limited bids
Summary
The Hernando County School Board approved a one-year renewal of its tree-trimming services contract with Hernando Tree Pros despite board member concerns that only a single vendor responded to the bid; the motion passed 4-1.
At its April 22 regular meeting, the Hernando County School Board voted 4-1 to approve a one-year renewal of bid 22-968-38RN for tree-trimming services, awarding continued service authorization to Hernando Tree Pros with estimated annual spending of $75,000.
Board member Mark Johnson objected to the renewal during discussion, saying the district received only one returned bid and urging wider outreach. “I don't like this procedure. I will not vote for this. I wanna see competitive bidding,” Johnson said, arguing the district should send direct notices or letters to local tree services to ensure competition and protect taxpayers.
District staff responded that the item is a renewal of an existing, multi-year bid and that the district publishes solicitations through the BidNet service used by registered vendors. Chris Rechner, answering questions from the board, said the earlier solicitation initially attracted multiple vendors but that some no longer participate; he characterized the current vendor as “the only tree standing, so to speak, called Hernando Tree Pros.” Rechner also said the prior-year district spend on the service was about $18,000 and that the district follows state-driven procurement rules.
Board members debated whether the renewal procedure met policy and whether additional outreach should be required before renewing. The board chair called for a vote after extended discussion; the motion passed 4 to 1 with Johnson voting no. No mover/second were recorded in the transcript.
The renewal authorizes continuing use of Hernando Tree Pros for tree-trimming services under the existing bid terms; any specific projects or expenditures under the contract will come back to the board for approval, staff said.
