Story Category: Economy & Business »

Saying he felt “buy local” should apply to county government, Commissioner Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. [R] voted opposed to the awarding of a service contract to an out-of-county business. The vote was taken during the Calvert County Commissioners’ June 26 meeting and the contract was for custodial work at the Health Services Center. Slaughenhoupt has previously voted opposed to contract awards when local vendors have been out-bid by out-of-county companies.

According to a memo from Department of Finance and Budget Purchasing Officer Roberta Baker, the “lowest responsive, responsible bidder” for the custodial services contract was Shine Brite Furnishings LLC of Waldorf. That company had submitted a bid of $21,470 a year. One of the other five bidders was Tanya Wallace Cleaning Service of Prince Frederick, whose annual price was $22,600. Slaughenhoupt noted that the difference in the bids was around $90 a month.

“I will oppose this,” said Slaughenhoupt, who opined county government needed to write criteria that gives “local consideration” during the bidding process.

Commissioner Susan Shaw [R] said she understood such a task “is in process” but that this particular contract could not be subjected to new criteria.

“I believe Commissioner Slaughenhoupt is correct, however, Commissioner Shaw has a point,” said Commissioner Pat Nutter [R], who added the commissioners needed to follow the policy in place.

Commissioners’ President Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R] said his biggest concern was that the previous vendor, Clean Cut Maintenance Services of Park Hall, had handled the custodial services at the Health Services Center for $36,830 a year. Clean Cut Maintenance Services, which was awarded the contract in 2009, had submitted that same amount for their 2012 bid. Clark called the $15,360 difference in the bids—Shine Brite Furnishings and Clean Cut Maintenance Services—a “red flag.” The commissioners’ president noted a “fairly significant drop in the cost of this contract.”

Shaw stated she believed the difference was due to Shine Brite Furnishings having less overhead.

It was last June when Baker recommended to the commissioners that they not create a local vendor preference, explaining her office had “a level playing field for all vendors.” Baker added that the Purchasing Office was working to aid local vendors who seek help during the bidding process.

The vote was 4-to-1, with Slaughenhoupt sustaining his opposition to awarding the contract to the Waldorf-based vendor.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com