Franklin County adopts 2% local-preference purchasing policy for nonfederal contracts

The Franklin County Commission voted to adopt a local-preference purchasing policy that gives in-county contractors a 2% opportunity to match the lowest bid for contracts paid with county funds. The policy was approved as Commission Order 2025-199 during the meeting.

The policy allows a contractor located in Franklin County to be awarded a county-funded contract if that contractor can match the lowest bid and is within 2% of that bid. County officials said the measure is intended to keep construction and other contracting dollars in the local economy. "It gives local contractors a little bit of an advantage or a discount, trying to keep the contracts local, keep the money local," Paul said during discussion.

Commissioners clarified that the preference applies only to contracts paid with local county dollars; purchases funded wholly or in part with federal dollars must follow federal procurement rules and the requirement to accept the lowest responsive bid. Mark, a county staff member working on implementation, was identified as the person currently drafting the implementing language for the policy and said he is developing the formal procedures.

The commission approved the policy by voice vote. No amendments were recorded at the meeting. Commissioners noted they would not apply the local preference to procurements subject to federal regulations and that the county will formalize administrative procedures for applying the 2% preference.

The policy now moves to the county purchasing office to prepare guidance and bid documents reflecting the new local-preference provisions.