City of Bend seeks parking enforcement proposals

The city of Bend announced a request for proposals on Wednesday from parking enforcement contractors. Currently, the city contracts through Diamond Parking. That contract has almost run its four-year course.

Now the city is on the search for new parking enforcement proposals and plans, with new technology being a key focus.

“We’re always looking for new technologies, economies of scale and new contractors with different ways of doing things. It’s our obligation to the taxpayer to make sure we get the best person to do the job,” said Bend Economic Development Director Carolyn Eagan.

Eagan said the search for new proposals has nothing to do with Diamond’s performance.

“We’re very happy with Diamond’s service. We’re not replacing Diamond. We’re just fulfilling our public obligation,” Eagan said.

The public’s view of the current downtown Bend parking enforcers seems a little more hit-or-miss.

“They seem to be fair, and it’s free (for the first two hours), too. How can people complain when it’s free?” said Evan Chase of Bend.

Chase said he has never received a ticket and has a positive view of Diamond Parking. Another downtown patron, who also said he’s never received a ticket, isn’t sold.

“I’m not a huge fan, but I know they have to do their job,” said Nick Nayne of Bend.

The city of Bend pays Diamond Parking $21,000 a month, Eagan clarified Thursday (an earlier version of this story had a lower, inaccurate figure).

“I’m really looking for the contractor that can give me the best service and best enforcement downtown,” Eagan said.

She said service is first and price is second, but both matter. Diamond did not want to comment on camera, but the city expects the company to make a bid.

“We’ve had interest from other contractors in other parts of the state,” Eagan said.

Contractors have until Nov. 23 to submit their proposals. The city expects to make a decision by the end of the year.