The Monroe City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to delay authorization of a $1.65 million pump replacement bid, citing concerns over low Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals.
The controversy erupted when the city’s purchasing department requested permission to advertise for two replacement pumps for the water pollution control center. Council members objected to the proposed 2.3% DBE participation requirement for prospective bidders.
“We are not getting any reports. We asked for these reports. To me, it’s like it’s being withheld,” said Councilman Rev. Rodney McFarland during the heated discussion.
McFarland and fellow councilman Minister Verbon Muhammad, part of what some call…
