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Commissioners approve outsourced pothole-patching contracts after close 4-3 vote
Summary
After debate over keeping road work in-house, the Board approved contractors for pothole patching (RFQ #124-20). A motion to table failed, and the final roll call was 4-3 in favor, with concerns raised about impacts on county road crews and overtime.
The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 17 narrowly approved RFQ #124-20, authorizing contracts with private pothole-patching contractors to supplement the County Road Department's work. The motion passed by roll call, 4-3.
Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott said the contracts were drafted by Corporation Counsel and Assistant County Administrator Brad Wilcox and would require contractors to provide labor, tools and equipment while Calhoun County Road Department (CCRD) supervisors would direct the work. Scott described the effort as intended to "supplement the work of CCRD crews." Wilcox told the Board the contracts increase accountability and productivity through required documentation and oversight.
Comr. Tommy Miller opposed outsourcing and said he believed the work should remain in-house. Comr. Rochelle Hatcher questioned whether the contracted hours would reduce opportunities for CCRD staff; Scott responded the contracts would not reduce the current workforce or overtime opportunities. Road Department Manager John Midgley said overtime for CCRD staff had been reduced in summer 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions.
A motion by Comr. Tompkins to table the item until Jan. 7 failed on a 5-2 roll call. The approving vote (Res.222-2020) listed Yes — 4 (King, Frisbie, Vette, Tompkins) and No — 3 (Miller, Smith, Hatcher). Supporters said the contracts will allow CCRD supervisors to direct supplemental crews and provide documentation intended to improve accountability; opponents said the functions should remain with county staff.
The contracts require contractor-supplied labor and equipment, and Calhoun County managers will oversee assignments; the record does not show specific vendor names or contract dollar amounts in the meeting minutes. The item passed as a routine procurement action rather than an emergency procurement.
