Kane County approves $2.5M Sherwin Williams paint contract through Omnia Partners

A significant discussion unfolded at the Kane County Executive Committee meeting on June 4, 2025, focusing on a new contract for purchasing paint through Omnia Partners. The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring competitive pricing while adhering to procurement protocols, particularly as the county approaches the $30,000 threshold for purchases.

Roger Fonstock, the Director of IT and Building Management, presented the details of the contract, which allows the county to buy Sherwin Williams paint at a 30% discount off retail prices. He clarified that the county typically spends around $2.53 million annually on paint, necessitating a formal contract to comply with state and county procurement codes. Fonstock assured the committee that the pricing structure is advantageous, citing a recent invoice where the county paid $47.95 per gallon, significantly lower than the retail price of $88.49.

The discussion also highlighted concerns about "stringing," a practice where purchases are broken into smaller amounts to avoid the contract threshold. Committee members expressed the need for a clear purchasing strategy to prevent this issue while ensuring quality products are sourced. Fonstock noted that the local Sherwin Williams store provides competitive pricing due to the county's volume purchases, reinforcing the value of the proposed contract.

The committee ultimately voted in favor of moving the contract forward, recognizing the necessity of maintaining compliance with procurement regulations while securing quality supplies at competitive prices. This decision is expected to streamline future purchases and alleviate concerns over exceeding budget thresholds.