Commission approves five‑year mosquito and vector control contract

The Truth or Consequences City Commission voted unanimously to approve a five‑year contract with Superior Lead and Pest Control to provide licensed mosquito and vector control services and emergency response support. City staff said the city will act as fiscal agent for payments and that the contractor will use the city’s equipment and provide required insurance.

City staff explained the city’s contribution for July through October will be $10,600 and the county’s contribution will be $15,600; the county’s payment will be remitted to the city in monthly installments. Staff also said routine fuel and equipment logs, spray maps and weekly reporting are required under the contract.

Commissioners pressed staff on operational details, including route scheduling, coordination with the city’s "no‑spray" registry and what happens when weather prevents spraying. Staff said residents should contact the city clerk’s office to be added to the no‑spray or pre‑spray lists and that the current no‑spray buffer is a 400‑foot radius, which can prevent treatment even if a resident requests spraying nearby.

On staffing, commissioners discussed whether the city should retrain staff to keep spraying in-house or continue contracting. Staff noted the contractor approach avoids overtime, licensing, training, chemical purchase, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and administrative burdens. Staff also said either party may terminate the agreement during the five‑year term.

A commissioner moved to approve the vector‑control operations agreement; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.