The Management Services Committee on Sept. 3 voted to accept a single bid from United Prairie for the county's fertilizer purchase after staff said they had invited about 15 vendors to bid.

Staff presented United Prairie’s submission, which listed 28,800 pounds of phosphate and 55,000 pounds of potassium and a total amount shown as $28.05 on the bid form. Committee members discussed whether to rebid to attract additional offers; staff and some members said there was no immediate rush, but others argued the county had met deadlines and should proceed.

After debate, a motion to accept United Prairie’s bid was made and seconded. The roll call recorded "yes" votes from Duncan, Crow, Saar, Watts, Grant and Perkinson; the motion passed.

Why it matters: the fertilizer purchase funds maintenance of county ditches and rights-of-way. Committee members noted United Prairie has supplied fertilizer in prior years and that soil samples were used to set application quantities. Staff said one contacted firm chose not to submit a bid because it could offer a lower price elsewhere.

The committee did not change quantities or require rebidding; staff said ordered quantities and any invoice differences will appear in next month's claims.