Overview:
The Town of Southbury requested pricing from a local small business to help with snow removal using two of the company’s plow trucks. According to industry insiders, it’s common in the area for municipalities to request bids at the last minute.
The business quoted a rate of $95 per hour, covering labor and equipment costs. Despite the very competitive pricing, the town of Southbury pursued a legal claim through the municipal bidding process. They wanted a lower hourly rate from the small business. The state of Connecticut official George Jepson ultimately supported the town. It awarded a $30,000 fee in its favor.
Labor Sector Trend & Recommendations: Northeast USA – Connecticut & Massachusetts
Presence News Advisory:
For the next three years, Presence News does not recommend any private contractors respond to or sign labor contracts with local or state entities in Connecticut or Massachusetts. Only federal or military contracts are considered safer for private labor. This advisory does not extend to New York, where government interference patterns have not been observed recently.Private Work Guidance:
Contractors are encouraged to focus on private projects if feasible. Our observations indicate an uptick in non-payment from municipalities and unusual legal disputes in the Connecticut and Massachusetts regions.Regional Outlook & Predictions:
- New York Area: Potential changes, such as NYC residents moving out due to new mayoral policies, are currently only rumors. A decrease in population could result in lower rent or home prices, creating a potential window for small businesses in areas like Brewster, NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey.
- CT & MA: Federal funding may influence future opportunities. High rates of government employment (estimated 10–20% of the population, among the highest salaries nationally) make local and state municipalities highly protective of budgets and staffing. Tight budgets may limit opportunities for private contractors, as local priorities focus on retaining employees and supporting families.
Concluding Insight (Opinion):
The economic push and pull in these areas is heavily influenced by politics and government budgets. Contractors should proceed cautiously, prioritize private work, and monitor federal funding trends to determine future opportunities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Local contracting experts note that these last-minute requests and disputes over rates are regular. They are a feature of municipal work in the region, emphasizing the challenges small businesses face when navigating public-sector contracts.
For those interested, the full state agreement can be viewed here. Please note this case is nearly ten years old.
Editor’s Note: Sometimes, staying on the couch, not answering your phone, and not going out to work makes you more money. This is especially true when competition is tight and municipal rules are strict.
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