Richmond awards payroll software, hires firefighters and approves ground maintenance contract amid a recusal

At its April 14 meeting the Richmond Board of Commissioners approved multiple personnel and procurement items.

Payroll software: The commission awarded the payroll, benefits and training software project (Order 26-49) to Paycom of Oklahoma City following evaluation of five bids; the implementation cost listed was $10,000 with an annual fee reported at $89,684. City Manager said funding will be drawn mostly from the administration budget and the mayor is authorized to execute contract documents.

Firefighter hires: Under Order 26-59 the commission approved hiring Eli Lakes and Gary Kearns as Firefighter I contingent on successful background checks with an effective date of 05/11/2026 and a 12-month probationary period.

Ground maintenance and recusal: Order 26-63 awarded the ground-maintenance contract for the Whitehall Shrine property to Webb Outdoor Solutions (one-year term with an option to renew). During discussion Commissioner Tammy Cole disclosed a business relationship with one bidder (a landscaper who does her yard work) and asked about recusal; the City Attorney advised the record, and the attorney stated that Commissioner Cole removed herself from the chamber for the duration of the discussion. The contract award proceeded with other commissioners voting in favor.

Why it matters: these procurement and personnel actions affect municipal operations (payroll systems, grounds upkeep at a historic property, and public-safety staffing). The commission recorded a recusal in the Webb contract discussion to address a potential conflict of interest.