DPW Stays Private in Lawrence

LAWRENCE —This west Michigan village (Van Buren County) has reaffirmed its earlier decision to contract with a private firm to manage its entire Department of Public Works.

After providing the lowest of two bids late last year, Facilities Management, based in Flint, Michigan, was awarded a $195,000 one-year contract by the village council. Its responsibilities include road maintenance and snow removal, water and wastewater treatment, grass mowing and other local services. It’s the first time that the Flint firm has taken charge of an entire municipal DPW, though it operates water and wastewater treatment plants throughout the state.

Either party, the village or the firm, can cancel the contract with 90 days’ notice.