Monroe council approves retention of JDS Consulting over public objections

The Monroe City Council voted to retain JDS Consulting & International Partners on Resolution No. 9119 after public debate about the firm’s prior local performance.

Mondrian Douglas of Long Drive told the council she opposed the retention, saying the council was “overriding” administration selection practices and that a prior contractor relationship tied to the Southside Economic Development District had failed to produce promised results on a proposal she said exceeded $100,000. Douglas urged council members, including Mr. Muhammad, to oppose the contract.

Sonya Jacobs, who identified herself as head of JDS Consulting and International Partners, responded that the firm has worked with municipalities and government agencies for several years, that she was unaware of deficiency reports involving agencies they have served, and that the firm intended to be a resource to the city rather than an adversary.

Council records show the motion to retain JDS Consulting passed (Resolution No. 9119); Mrs. Ezernack and Mr. Harvey voted nay. The council discussion and the public comments focused on procurement practices and whether consultants should be recommended by the mayor’s office and departments rather than contracted directly by council action.

The council did not provide additional detail in the meeting record on scope, contract amount or a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) tied to the retention; a speaker during public comment said she did not see a CEA in place. The resolution passed despite those remarks. The administration or contracting department will need to provide the finalized contract and scope for public review if requested.