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Detroit committee advances multimillion‑dollar tree‑trimming contracts after debate over outsourcing and low pay
Summary
The Neighborhood Community Services Standing Committee moved several $2M–$3M tree‑trimming contracts to formal session after Councilmember Renata Miller pressed staff on outsourcing, job creation and low in‑house wages; the General Services deputy director said staffing and scale require outside vendors and confirmed five recommended vendors are Detroit‑based.
The Neighborhood Community Services Standing Committee on Thursday moved a slate of large tree‑trimming and removal contracts to formal session following a pointed exchange over why the city outsources the work and how the contracts affect local jobs.
Councilmember Renata Miller challenged staff over the committee packet, saying the city had awarded multiple contracts totaling about $13 million for tree trimming and urged the administration to expand in‑house capacity to create stable, well‑paid jobs for Detroit residents. “We gave out $3,000,000 three times and $2,000,000 two times for tree trimming,” Miller said, calling the pattern “asinine” if the city cannot retain workers at competitive wages.
Deputy Director Jarrell Harris of the General Services Department responded that the city’s in‑house forestry crew is small — roughly 20 staffers who focus on parks and…
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