Staff proposes switching uniform service from Cintas to UniFirst to save roughly $15,000 a year

Walter, the city's public works director, told council that the current Cintas contract runs about $43,000 per year and that UniFirst offered a lower-cost proposal of $27,820 annually (mats included). Walter explained that buying mats outright would reduce the UniFirst total to roughly $24,821.

Councilmembers asked whether a uniform allowance would be cheaper and more flexible. Mr. Hicks suggested bulk ordering or an allowance, but staff warned that industrial laundering by the vendor helps manage chemical contamination and wear. Walter said the vendor replaces damaged items per contract terms. "If we took out the mats with UniFirst, it would go down to 24,821," Walter said, describing a cost option staff can present to council.

The discussion also touched on contractual terms and whether the city's purchasing processes had the necessary documentation on file; council asked staff to bring full contract language and cost comparisons to the regular meeting. Staff indicated procurement would follow cooperative purchasing rules and would bring final contract terms for council review before any award.