Board approves request for proposals to evaluate privatizing grounds maintenance
Summary
District staff will advertise an RFP for commercial grounds maintenance to determine whether contracting out grounds work would be more efficient and sustainable; staff will return with cost and service comparisons.
The board approved staff’s request to advertise a request for proposals for commercial grounds‑maintenance services to analyze whether contracting out the work would improve efficiency and sustainability.
Mister Wilkerson told the board the district now relies on two full‑time and six part‑time staff to maintain grounds; part‑time work is seasonal and difficult to staff. He said previous comparisons did not include all benefit and fringe costs and staff want to model full costs and services in order to compare alternatives fairly.
Trustees asked how the district will solicit bids and whether local companies will be contacted; Wilkerson said the district will send the RFP to local contractors and advertise more broadly. He said staff will analyze proposals on cost and services and return findings and a recommendation to the board.
Ending The motion to publish the RFP passed by voice vote. Staff said they will present a comparison of costs, services and local hiring implications for board review before any contracting decision.
