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Newton County tables tower-repair purchase pending funding; procurement rules cited
Summary
Commissioners tabled a decision on repairing a county radio tower after safety concerns and procurement questions; staff can proceed under purchasing rules for < $50,000 but the court asked staff to identify funding and run a budget amendment for county reimbursement.
Newton County commissioners on Nov. 13 discussed emergency repairs to a county radio tower in Jasper and voted to table formal approval until the court can identify a funding source.
Speaker 2 told the court the tower “can topple next spring,” raising safety concerns for residents and motorists and urging prompt action. County staff and Speaker 3 explained the repair is below the county'9s formal advertising threshold and that, because only one firm has the necessary equipment, procurement rules allow a sole-source or telephone-quote process for purchases under $50,000.
Speaker 1 recommended the court hear from the company that installed the South County tower about anchor points and guide-wire tension before any final decision. Speaker 2 moved to table the item until funding is identified and a related budget amendment can be prepared; the court approved the motion by voice vote.
The court'9s discussion distinguished between operational urgency and the county'9s purchasing policies: staff may proceed to secure telephone quotes and follow procurement exceptions for sole-source situations, but commissioners asked that the auditor or judge'9s office confirm contingency or line-item availability and that any expenditure above $50,000 return for formal court approval.
The item was tabled; staff were directed to identify funding, prepare a budget amendment if necessary, and report back to the court for final authorization.
