The City Council on Tuesday night balked at giving the existing provider for pest control services to the current provider.
Councilman Russell Gilbert said there had been pest problems "for years" at certain city facilities with Kirkland's Pest Control of Fayetteville, Tn., in charge.
He said roaches were so bad at the Brainerd YFD Center that election officials who conducted voting there complained.
Also, he said the Red Cross placed refugees there during flooding, but they pulled out because of the bugs.
Maura Sullivan, city chief operating officer, said the city had responded after learning of the Brainerd issues. She said appliances in the kitchen were replaced, and the problem appeared to have been fixed.
Councilman Gilbert said there were also continuing bug problems at the Washington Hills center.
City staff said the contract is running out - leaving the city without a provider. They said it may take several weeks to rebid.
Councilman Jerry Mitchell said the staff should not have brought the renewal on the eve of the contract running out.
Kirkland's was paid $45,000 per year for serving 111 city sites, including all the fire halls and rec centers.
There were nine other bidders.
The council went along with a motion by Councilman Gilbert not to renew the contract.