Liberty County approves bid waivers to carry out jail repairs ordered by state

The Liberty County Commissioners Court on April at a special meeting approved an order exempting certain purchases for repairs to the county jail from the competitive-bidding requirements of Chapter 262 of the Texas Local Government Code so the county can comply with a remedial order from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.

County attorneys presented the order and said state law normally requires competitive bidding for purchases exceeding $50,000 but that Chapter 262 also permits the commissioners court to issue exemptions in specific circumstances. "Well, as the court knows, if the county spends more than $50,000 on a purchase of goods or services, it must be purchased in accordance with Chapter 262 of the Local Government Code," Matthew Poston of the county attorney's office said, summarizing the statute and the three exemption bases listed in the order: a public calamity exception, an exception for damage to public property and an exception tied to the preservation and protection of public safety.

Commissioner Korbowski moved to approve the order; Commissioner Arthur seconded. The court called a voice vote and the presiding officer announced the motion carried. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally by name.

The order, as presented in the meeting, directs the court to exempt specific purchases related to remedial repairs of the Liberty County Jail from the competitive-bidding requirement so the county may proceed under the remedial order issued by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. The transcript does not specify dollar amounts for the exempted contracts or identify contractors.

The special meeting was brief. After the vote the court adjourned.