Balt. City Inspector General reveals concerns over unfinished $2.2 million website project - Video

Baltimore City's inspector general, Isabel Cumming, has raised concerns over the city's handling of taxpayer dollars in a website project that has cost $2.2 million and remains unfinished. The project, initiated in 2020, involved a bid process where six companies were invited, but only two responded, with the city choosing the higher bid of $1.2 million over a $300,000 bid, and additional costs have since escalated the total to $2.2 million.

Cumming said, "We have spent $2.2 million and do not have a website." The project was initially scheduled for completion by September 23, 2022, but as of September 25, 2023, the website is still not operational.

The inspector general's investigation revealed that the project was handled as a professional services contract, which limited public bidding opportunities. Cumming emphasized the need for open bids, stating, "There is nothing special about doing a website. And this would have given an opportunity for so many people to bid on this."

The Baltimore City IT office acknowledged the need for improved procedures in their response to the inspector general's report. They admitted that the project could have been managed better and committed to strengthening future processes.

Cumming highlighted the inefficiencies in monitoring change orders, which contributed to the project's cost doubling. She noted, "Change orders need to be better monitored. We cannot be giving doubling a contract with no oversight."

The inspector general's office continues to point out inefficiencies and waste in city spending, aiming to save taxpayer money. Cumming said, "We point out the inefficiencies, we point out the waste. And I mean, we're very busy."

Despite the challenges, Cumming praised the Department of Public Works for recent improvements in working conditions, following the tragic death of Ronald Silver II due to heat stroke. She said, "Kudos to DPW for just making change happen."

The inspector general's report has prompted concern from city officials, including President Cohen, who has reached out to Cumming. The project remains with the city administrator's department, and efforts are ongoing to complete the website, which aims to simplify bill payments for residents.