The Monroe City Council voted Tuesday to significantly increase the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal on a $1.7 million water pump replacement project, raising it from the originally proposed 2.32 percent to 12.32 percent.
The decision came after councilmembers, led by its Southside black majority known as the “Brown Bombers,” pushed for greater city spending with Black-owned businesses.
The project involves replacing two water pumps at the Monroe Water Pollution Plant.
City officials explained that most of the project’s cost involves purchasing specialized equipment that would be custom-made for Monroe’s plant and would require a 40-week manufacturing period after bid approval.
The council had previously passed over this item at a prior meeting, requesting a report on DBE particulars that was not received before Tuesday’s discussion.
City Engineer Rev. Morgan McAlister warned the council about…
