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Council backs review of public‑works operations; staff to bring RFP for vote
Summary
Councilmembers generally supported issuing an RFP for an organizational assessment of the public‑works department to identify efficiency and staffing changes, but asked staff to return the draft RFP and cost estimates to a regular meeting for an up‑or‑down vote and to time the process with upcoming hires.
Deputy Mayor Jeff Sprout and city staff introduced a proposal to commission an organizational assessment focused on the public‑works department, intended to identify structural and operational improvements.
The staff presentation said the last full organizational review was done in 2017 and recommended a specialized firm compare Orting’s public works operations with peers. Administrator Bethune told council the city would likely receive national responses to an RFP and that the work would provide evidence to justify any future rate changes tied to utility or capital needs.
Council members expressed broad support but emphasized process and timing. Councilmember Hogan said she was “really high” for issuing an RFP but asked that the RFP align with the expected onboarding of a new public‑works director. Councilmember Tracy asked that the draft RFP be available for council review before staff issues it. Bethune said staff will present the RFP at the next regular meeting for an up‑or‑down vote rather than seeking approval during the study session.
Why it matters: The assessment targets core operations that account for a large share of the city’s budget; councilmembers said they want the study’s findings before asking residents to approve any rate increases.
Next steps: Staff will prepare a draft RFP and return the item to the June 10 regular meeting for a formal vote on whether to advertise the RFP.
