Fayette County updates procurement policy for federal grants to meet federal rules

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — The Fayette County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on April 11 to update Policy 200.03, "Use of Federal Funds," aligning local procurement procedures with current federal grant requirements.

Purchasing Director Ted Burgess told the board that "local governments that use federal grant funds must have and use documented procurement procedures that comply with the code of federal regulations." Burgess, who was identified during the meeting as president of the Georgia Purchasing Association, said Fayette County's prior compliant regulation dated to March 2012 and that federal requirements have since changed "significantly and needed to be updated." Burgess outlined expansions in the updated policy and a few of the specific changes.

Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell said he supported the update even though he framed it as reluctantly accepting external requirements: he said that although he did not like being told what to do, "if the County wanted to use federal funding this was a requirement they had to comply with and was in support if it for that reason." County Administrator Steve Rapson commended Burgess for vigilance in keeping the county in compliance.

Commissioner Maxwell moved to approve the updates to Policy 200.03; Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

The approved revisions update Fayette County's procurement policy to reflect current federal grant procurement standards and authorize the county to continue using federal funding under compliant procedures.