Minot City Council considers local contractor preference policy for bid opportunities

The Minot City Council convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the city's procurement policy, particularly focusing on local contractor preferences. The meeting highlighted a proposed motion aimed at establishing a local preference for North Dakota registered companies that operate within a 25-mile radius of Minot.

The motion, introduced by a council member, suggested that if a local company's bid is within 5% of the lowest bid, they should be given the opportunity to match that bid. Additionally, it was proposed that local bidders must be preregistered on the city's bidding list to qualify as local. This initiative aims to support local businesses while ensuring competitive pricing for city contracts.

During the discussion, council members expressed differing opinions on the motion. Some argued that implementing a local preference could limit the city's ability to secure the lowest possible bids, potentially increasing costs. Alderman Olsen voiced concerns that the proposal might stifle competition, stating that there has been no significant feedback from local companies feeling disadvantaged in the bidding process.

Conversely, other council members, including Alderman Fuller, supported the motion, citing instances where local businesses felt overlooked in bidding opportunities. They argued that even if the local preference affects only a few contracts annually, it would provide local contractors a fair chance to compete without increasing costs for the city.

The council ultimately moved to draft a policy framework for further consideration, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that supports local businesses while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The discussion underscored the ongoing debate about how best to foster local economic growth while ensuring the city remains financially prudent in its procurement practices. The next steps will involve reviewing the drafted policy to address the concerns raised during the meeting.