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Durham commissioners approve $1.38M contract for detention-center maintenance after questions on wages and bidders
Summary
The board suspended rules and approved a $1,379,000 budget amendment and contract with TKC Management Services for facility maintenance at the Durham County Detention Center; commissioners pressed staff on single-bid procurement, contract length and wage levels before voting unanimously to approve within the suspension.
Durham County commissioners suspended the rules and approved a time-sensitive budget amendment (26 BCC 086) to appropriate $1,379,000 and authorize a contract with TKC Management Services to provide facility management services at the county detention center.
County Manager Hager told the board staff conducted an RFP and due diligence; he said the change follows months of study on whether to bring maintenance in-house or hire outside contractors. A general‑services representative outlined past practice and said general services would continue to oversee capital work while the vendor handles day-to-day maintenance. "For all Durham County contracts, we have the ability to end the relationship with that vendor with a 30 day notice," staff said. Commissioners asked whether other firms bid; staff answered that only one bidder submitted a proposal and that TKC representatives were present to answer questions.
Commissioners also pressed the vendor on pay levels. A TKC representative said the firm uses a market analysis and that entry-level general maintenance trades would be paid "around I think, 23 to 24 an hour," with higher pay for electricians and plumbers. Commissioner Jacobs said tracking contract costs over time will be important. The motion to approve item 260282 within the rules suspension was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.
