Dallas County commissioners voted Tuesday to extend two janitorial contracts despite low pay for workers but said they’ll continue to look for ways to boost wages.

The extensions allow Dallas County to step up its cleaning routine in buildings that have had problems with overflowing trash cans, dirty toilets and rats. They also give the county time to prepare new bid specifications that would allow commissioners to weigh a variety of factors, not just cost, in awarding the contracts.

The new requirements could indirectly lead to higher wages for janitors, County Judge Clay Jenkins said. No Dallas County employees earn less than $10 an hour, but janitors and others who work for private contractors often receive the $7.25 minimum wage or close to it.

A group of more than 20 Dallas County judges urged commissioners to support higher wages for janitors in a letter written by state District Judge Ken Molberg.

“Each of us is hopeful that any revision of the cleaning services contract will provide an opportunity for the county to address the low wages paid to the people who clean up behind us,” the letter read.

Five people asked commissioners Tuesday to set an example for local companies by requiring higher wages for contract workers. One speaker, who said he struggles to pay bills and afford groceries, was still dressed in a Wal-Mart vest.

More at source: DallasNews.Com

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