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Commissioners question emergency snow-removal payments and contracting after storm
Summary
The board introduced emergency payments and a contract award for snow removal and salt delivery, prompting commissioners to press staff on hourly rates, vendor selection, and performance after a major storm. Staff said awards are hourly-based and depend on equipment and trucks used.
Hudson County commissioners discussed emergency snow-removal contracts and the administration’s use of hourly awards after a recent storm, seeking more detail on costs and vendor performance.
Resolution 15 would authorize payment to Persistent Construction for emergency snow removal on John F. Kenny Boulevard in Jersey City ($349,800). Commissioners said they were concerned about awarding work on an hourly basis without clear competitive comparison and noted that, in a prior event, Persistent did not complete expected coverage for certain areas. Staff explained emergency awards can be hourly-based and that rates depend on equipment type and the number of dump trucks deployed; differences in equipment and truck counts can materially change total cost even when per-hour rates are comparable.
Commissioners pressed for additional oversight and transparency, asking staff to provide written follow-up that explains how hours and coverage are tracked during emergency operations and whether split awards to multiple vendors would yield better value. Staff agreed to send an email with the requested information and noted that, in the current procurement environment, some vendors decline standing contracts for hauling and removal because insurance and borrowing costs have risen.
Other emergency payments introduced in the same section of the agenda included a $73,125 payment to J and G Crews LLC for salt pickup and delivery and a $109,918.75 payment to Interstate Waste Services for emergency snow removal on county-owned roads in Hoboken. Commissioners asked staff to return with greater detail on scope, hours, and how the county will ensure competitive outcomes when awarding emergency services.
What’s next: Staff agreed to follow up with the requested procurement details by email and to include additional information at the briefings scheduled this week.
