Court adds Purple Cow Graphics as county vendor but bars Horseshoe purchases over spouse relationship

The commissioners approved Carrie Garcia, doing business as Purple Cow Graphics (listed on vendor form as Carrie Garcia), as a county vendor but explicitly limited purchases by the Horseshoe because Garcia is married to a Horseshoe director, creating an appearance‑of‑conflict concern.

Discussion began when staff noted that Purple Cow Graphics' owner had provided competitive pricing on items such as business cards and letterhead. A commissioner raised conflict‑of‑interest concerns because of the familial relationship; county legal counsel advised the court that it could approve Garcia as a vendor but that Horseshoe should not make purchases from the vendor to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

The final motion approved Carrie Garcia as a vendor for Midland County and directed that the Horseshoe not procure goods or services from Purple Cow Graphics. Commissioners also discussed whether the vendor should be listed under the DBA or the individual's name for payment processing; finance staff said checks would be issued to the individual's name until a business account was established.

Why it matters: The decision balances competitive vendor selection and small‑business inclusion against transparency and ethics rules; the court documented a practical restriction to prevent direct purchases by the Horseshoe where the familial tie exists.