Fort Worth council approves consent agenda and routine items; resident questions $7.1M software contract

The Fort Worth City Council approved its consent agenda and a string of administrative items during the meeting, including approvals on routine M&C items, a subdivision ordinance item and a bridge project in the adjacency of Districts 7 and 10.

During the public-comment period tied to consent and nonconsent items, Adrian Smith of District 6 raised concerns about a pending software contract referenced on the agenda. Smith said the contract is listed at $7,100,000 with a $2,000,000 renewal and cited a figure of $2,920,181.64 in the same exchange, urging council to consider one- or two-year trial terms rather than long multi‑year commitments. "Why not limit these contracts to maybe a 1 or 2 year term before just giving out these 4 or 5 to 10 year terms," Smith said, arguing that shorter terms would reduce taxpayer risk if a vendor’s product fails to perform.

Council proceeded to move, second, and approve the consent agenda; the presiding officer announced 'Motion carries.' Other administrative actions included a continuance of a zoning case (ZC-25212) to allow the applicant to engage with the District 9 office and approval of a bridge application moved by Council member Blaylock.

What’s next: Smith’s procurement concerns were recorded in public comment; the transcript does not show staff response or amendment to the listed contract terms during this meeting.