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Council declines $65,000 translation contract increase, directs staff to run new RFP
Summary
Council reviewed a staff proposal to raise the language‑services contract to $65,000 annually and instead directed staff to issue a new RFP and explore alternative delivery options (including simultaneous in‑room and Zoom setups and potential technical aids).
Cudahy — On Oct. 7 the City Council reviewed a staff request to amend the language‑services professional services agreement (Language Network) to increase annual authorization to $65,000 to cover expanded in‑person and remote Spanish translation. After questioning the cost and exploring alternatives, council voted to not approve the contract amendment and directed staff to issue a new request for proposals (RFP).
Staff said translation costs have risen: examples provided in staff materials showed per‑meeting interpreter rates rising to about $4.79 for 1–3 hour sessions and $7.76 for 3–6 hour sessions. Staff asked for an annual increase to $65,000 to ensure coverage for council meetings, town halls and other bilingual needs.
Council concerns and alternatives: Members raised the annual cost and requested more usage data. Several suggested technical or hybrid solutions (for example, miking in‑chamber interpreters to feed Zoom or testing AI interpretation tools), while not wanting to supplant human interpreters entirely. Staff confirmed they have the budget to continue services in the near term but will pursue an RFP and return with bidding results.
Decision: Council directed staff to go to RFP and to explore options that permit a single in‑room interpreter to provide simultaneous translations for both live attendees and Zoom participants where feasible. The motion to decline immediate contract increase and proceed to RFP passed on the council floor.
