Christian County proclaims March Procurement Month; approves one-year IT contract renewal

The Christian County Commission on Thursday read a proclamation naming March 2026 as Purchasing/Procurement Month and approved a one‑year renewal of RFQ 2024‑18 for data solutions services.

Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris read a county proclamation that cited the role of procurement in government and business and noted a matching proclamation from Gov. Mike Kho. "I, Lynn Morris, presiding commissioner of Christian County, Missouri, do hereby proclaim March 2026 to be purchasing month in Christian County," the proclamation states.

County staff told commissioners RFQ 2024‑18 covers as‑needed data solutions — including network cabling, audio‑visual systems, access control and fiber or wireless solutions — and that Talon Technology Systems was the awarded vendor. Staff said Talon agreed not to raise its pricing for the upcoming year and recommended approving a one‑year renewal. The commission moved, seconded and approved the contract renewal by voice vote.

Commissioners used the proclamation reading to thank purchasing staff and to highlight local outreach events, including a reverse vendor fair in Branson and two town halls this month for public questions and vendor engagement. Commissioners said the county publication launching this month will include procurement information and a message from Sheriff Brad Cole honoring two fallen deputies.

No fiscal amendment or additional appropriation was announced alongside the approval; commissioners noted future work on vendor outreach and implementation would follow the county's procurement rules.