During their meeting held on Tuesday, April 21, the City Council authorized the use of competitive sealed proposals as the method of purchase that provides the best value to the municipality for Collection of Municipal Court Fees, Collection of Delinquent Tax Collection Fees, Bond Counsel Services, and Legal Counsel Services.
During their meeting the Council heard and discussed the method and how these services have been dealt with in previous years. Mayor Luis Sifuentes opened up the items for consideration which led to a lengthy discussion as to why certain services have been under the same organizations without any consideration to look for better deals and improved services, if possible, in order to give the taxpayers more for their money.
“The law requires us to come before council before going out for request for proposals in order to set the criteria of how we're going to evaluate them,” stated Finance Director Jesse Rodriguez.
This is being done in order to set the parameters of how they will be going through the required process. Councilwoman Yolanda Ramon asked how long some of the firm's being used for such services had been in place.
Mayor Sifuentes stated that some firms had been there for over 12 years. Ramon further asked if there were any concerns with the services being provided by these firms including legal services.
Mayor Sifuentes intervened and stated that this was something that had been brought to council last year but for some reason was never brought back.
Sifuentes added that in a recent contract that was made with their financial advisor there was concern over the length of the contracts.
“We can't say we're getting the best deal if we're just renewing and renewing, without even looking at what they're charging us,” said Sifuentes.
RodrТguez explained that in the past they had gone out for RFP's for legal services but due to procedural issues they could not meet the 60- day deadline to move any further.
“One of the recommendations is for us to strengthen the legal services contract where we have more control over costs and incorporate what we want to see in a contract,” added Rodriguez.
“In discussion with administration we don't want to see this never ending contracts.
We can't get the best deal for our taxpayers if we're just letting them go with the flow and never knowing what else we can get for the benefit of our citizens.
Because at the end of the day that's what we have to look out for,” stated Sifuentes.
The council further discussed what term would be best for such service contracts. Rodriguez emphasized that it be of great importance to not go above five years because by doing so it would leave the door open for complacency.
The Eagle Pass City Council moved to approve to go out for Request for Proposals for the Collection of Municipal Court Fees, Collection of Delinquent Tax Collection Fees, Bond Counsel Services, and Legal Counsel Services.
The item will be brought back and the firms that are currently providing the city with these services will be able to provide the proposals along with anyone else who is interested in working with the city.