Archived News

When the city of Dunwoody needs a new employee, there’s a chance the worker will not get on the city’s payroll.

Instead, Dunwoody is providing some of its government services using a split contract service model.

A form of outsourcing, the split contract service model “allows the city to enter into public-private partnerships with highly specialized service providers who have the capability and resources to provide top tier service and increased efficiency of municipal operations,” said Edie Damann, Dunwoody’s marketing and public relations manager.

The contracts, which have will save Dunwoody more than $1 million over four years, are the “city’s way of creating a specialized workforce for the government,” Damann said.

Dunwoody is not the only metropolitan Atlanta municipality using this service delivery model. Sandy Springs and Johns Creek were already using it when Dunwoody incorporated in 2008.

“It’s definitely a model that is working for the city of Dunwoody,” said Damann, whose own job is a result of the outsourcing.

The split contract service model provides a highly specialized work force and best-in-class services at a fixed cost on flexible terms, Damann said.

By creating a competitive environment for municipal service delivery, Dunwoody is benefitting from increased cost savings and greater accountability, Damann said.

Dunwoody has awarded contracts to JAT and Calvin Giordano & Associates for finance and administration services; Clark Patterson Lee for planning and zoning, permits, inspections and code compliance services; InterDev for information technology services; and Jacobs for public relations and marketing services.

The city is currently looking for a company to handle its public works and parks and recreation functions. Dunwoody had previously released requests for proposal (RFPs) for public works and parks separately, but when the proposals came in, the companies had bid on both functions together.

“The consolidation and rebid of the public works and parks and recreation contracts showcases the city’s commitment to access a broad depth of experience and talent which will ultimately benefit our citizens as well as our infrastructure, public safety and parks,” City Manager Warren Hutmacher said.

“The city remains dedicated to providing the best services for our community at fixed, manageable costs by contracting with specialized service providers,” Hutmacher said.