Commissioners adopt state procurement procedures, consolidate county purchasing plan

Franklin County commissioners adopted a resolution to align county purchasing with state procurement procedures and consolidated internal purchasing guidance into the state plan. County Administrator Brian Danzel said the approach would lead to efficiencies, aid compliance with audits and produce volume discounts through state contracts.

Nut graf: Staff explained the consolidation moves the county’s purchasing plan into the state procurement plan, which commissioners said would streamline purchasing, improve audit compliance and leverage volume contracts. The board approved the resolution with a title change clarifying it as a procurement policy and procedures manual for Franklin County.

Danzel described advantages of adopting the state's procurement processes: increased buying power, access to established contracts and better audit compliance. "By leveraging the state's established procurement processes and contracts, Franklin County would benefit not only because of compliance issues, but also because it would lead to efficiencies and savings," Danzel said.

Commissioner Baumann moved approval with a title adjustment to read, in part, "Adopting procurement policy and procedures manual for Franklin County, Washington." Commissioner Mullen seconded and the board voted to approve the resolution.

Ending: The county will implement the consolidated procurement policy; staff said they intend to eventually produce a stand‑alone purchasing manual when financial plans are fully aligned. No immediate contract awards were tied to the resolution during the meeting.