Mount Clemens extends one-year utilities management contract with FVOP amid calls for in-house director

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to extend a one-year professional services agreement with F and V Operations and Resource Management (FVOP) to continue day-to-day management and technical support for the city's utilities department.

Supporters said FVOP brought needed expertise during recent operational problems. "FEOP brought in a collection and distribution system expert that assisted with the resolution of the problem," City Manager said in describing the vendor's work; staff also cited operational fixes at the wastewater treatment plant and steps that eliminated daily reporting requirements to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Opposition centered on cost, communication and long-term strategy. "I do not want to continue to pay this amount of money indefinitely," a commissioner said, arguing the city should recruit an in-house director rather than extend the high-priced contract indefinitely. Another commissioner, after reviewing a consultant report and recent water test results, said the contract's benefits justify a one-year extension while the city seeks a permanent candidate and improved reporting.

Commission discussion touched on several technical and oversight points: commissioners requested quarterly reports from FVOP; staff noted the contract contains a 30-day termination provision; and several members asked administration to advertise the utilities director position at a competitive salary while maintaining contractor services in the short term. One commissioner pointed to public-health context, saying recent lead testing in ZIP code 48043 showed an average 4.2 micrograms per deciliter in tested children, well under the 10 mcg/dL standard.

The commission approved the one-year extension on a roll-call vote. Administration said the agreement will continue at an hourly-equivalent rate with a not-to-exceed cost structure and can be adjusted if needs change.

What's next: The extension runs through the coming year; commissioners directed staff to seek a viable in-house candidate and to require more consistent contractor reporting and quarterly briefings to the commission.