Burke County Revises Purchasing Policy to Require More Price Comparisons for Mid‑range Purchases
Loading...
Summary
The Board approved changes to the county purchasing policy to require departments to collect additional written quotes for purchases in the $10,000–$25,000 range (moving away from sealed bid when competition is limited) and to use upgraded procurement software to record quotes and proposals.
Burke County adopted revisions to its purchasing policy intended to increase price competition for mid‑range purchases and improve audit traceability.
Assistant County Manager Adam Flakesham and finance staff told the commissioners the county often received a single sealed bid for purchases in the $10,000–$25,000 range. The revision directs departments to obtain at least three written price quotations (proposals with letterhead for amounts at $10,000 and above) rather than rely solely on sealed bids when competition is limited, and to scan and record proposals in the county’s procurement software to improve transparency and auditability.
Supporters said the change will speed purchasing while ensuring departments obtain multiple price points; the tradeoff is reducing formal sealed bidding for some purchase sizes in favor of documented proposals and quotes. Commissioners voted to adopt the revised policy as presented.
