A resolution requesting the Mayor and the Director of Finance to declare moratoria on the awarding of government contracts over $500,000 other than to the lowest bidder and cost overruns for government contracts.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government awards tens of millions of dollars in government contracts each year for goods, services, and construction projects; and

WHEREAS, once the Metropolitan Council has approved the sale of bonds to fund for various construction projects, the Metropolitan Government has been known to incur cost overruns in excess of the estimated amount reported to the Council prior to the commencement of the project; and

WHEREAS, recent news reports brought to light the fact that the Metropolitan Procurement Appeals Board recently awarded a security contract to Wackenhut Corporation at a cost to Metro of $24.5 million over five years, which was approximately $5 million more than next closest bid; and

WHEREAS, although the Metropolitan Purchasing Agent cancelled the entire RFP after the media began reporting the story, the Metropolitan Council is still concerned about millions of dollars that may be going to contractors when the Metropolitan Board of Public Education and General Hospital are in such great need of additional funding; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Finance has requested all Metropolitan Government departments to identify ten percent cuts in preparation of next fiscal year's budget; and

WHEREAS, in light of the serious financial situation facing the Metropolitan Government, it is fitting and proper that a moratorium be declared on contract cost overruns and the awarding of contracts other than to the lowest bidder.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor and the Director of Finance to declare moratoria on the awarding of government contracts over $500,000 other than to the lowest bidder and cost overruns for government contracts.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell and to Director of Finance David Manning.

Section 3. That the Mayor and the Director of Finance are further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days from the date of adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace