Commissioners plan to update county procurement process

Commissioners are poised to update the county’s procurement policy to allow for purchases up to $80,000 without requiring the bidding process.

Currently, the county must put out to bid any purchase — excepting machinery and equipment — above $25,000, according to Wendy Drake of the finance department. That threshold is $80,000 for the state, she told commissioners Feb. 16.

She requested that commissioners adjust the county’s policy to reflect that of the state.

County Commissioner Jerry Bennett (D-2) welcomed the proposal. He said the county had lowered the threshold several years back while getting a handle on government spending.

“I think it would make it way simpler to mirror state and federal law,” Bennett said.

County Commissioner Brent Teske described the potential change as in line with the cost of goods and services.

“With the cost of things nowadays it doesn’t take much to get above $25,000,” he said.

The board of commissioners is expected to take action on the proposal at its Feb. 23 meeting.

Thank you for taking a look at that,” Bennett told Drake. “I would recommend you go forth and conquer.”