Outsourcing of City Work to Contractors
At a glance
- What: Concern that budget pressure could shift work from city employees to contractors. Raised at the 10/19/2026 meeting by the head of the city workers' union and by Hardin on a water main repair contract.
- Union position: Harmon, president of AFSCME Local 1632, said any budget balanced on the backs of city workers is unacceptable, including plans to outsource or use third-party agreements.
- Water main contract (ordinance 2708-2026): Emergency construction contract with JLD Construction Services LLC and Travco Construction Inc. for the 2026 Water Main Repairs project, with a transfer of cash and appropriation within the Water Bond Fund and spending of up to $2,625,508.60. Contractors supplement crews when main breaks exceed capacity. Hardin asked how 'as needed' use is defined and how unions are notified, and asked the department to follow up so city staff get the work when they have capacity. Moved by Wyche, seconded by Barroso De Padilla; approved 9-0.
- Next: Follow-up from Public Utilities on the notification process; 2027 budget deliberations.
Sources
- Columbus City Council minutes, 10/19/2026 (final): https://legistar3.granicus.com/Columbus/meetings/2026/10/6217_M_Columbus_City_Council_26-10-19_Minutes_-_Final.pdf (vote on 2708-2026; the union speaker is in the video record only)
- Columbus City Council 10/19/2026 meeting video and agenda (columbus.legistar.com).
Discussion time
About 5 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).
| Meeting | Minutes |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-19 - Columbus City Council | 5 |
Log
2026-10-19 - Columbus City Council
- Harmon spoke at the first-reading comment period; Hardin questioned the water main contractor ordinance (2708-2026) and asked for follow-up on union notification; ordinance approved 9-0.