Allegan County looks to save money by outsourcing custodial services

ALLEGAN, MI — In an effort to save money, Allegan County will outsource its custodial operations by February 2010, according to the Holland Sentinel.

According to the story, The Allegan County Board of Commissioners recently approved a bid from CSM Services to clean eight county buildings.

Allegan County, which currently spends $443,000 per year for labor and cleaning supplies, will save $183,000 each year of the proposed three-year contract, the story stated.

Commissioner Fritz Spreitzer said: "They've given loyal service. They do a good job. There are other areas to look at before we get rid of people."

Current Allegan County custodians are highly encouraged to apply for positions with CSM Services; many commissioners hope they receive preferential treatment from the contractor, the story noted.

Though CSM Services was not the lowest bid, their offer to provide custodial services in eight buildings for $260,000 a year was accepted, the story added.

Bob Wakeman, Allegan County Facilities Management director, said: "A lot of things entered in to it other than the dollar amount. Some said they could do twice the work in half the time. Something just didn't equate."

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