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Committee pre-files COOP contract after members raise procurement concerns
Summary
The committee pre-filed a fund transfer to develop a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) after debate about whether the vendor was selected before funding. Legislators questioned procurement and asked that Chapter 22 of the Putnam County Code be recognized; legal counsel deferred procurement questions to Legislative Counsel.
The Putnam County Audit & Administration Committee on May 21 voted to pre-file a fund transfer to develop a countywide Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), but the item prompted questions about procurement and vendor selection.
Legislator Montgomery asked whether the COOP work had gone out to bid and whether the county sought the vendor or the vendor approached the county. Legislator Birmingham asked that Chapter 22 of the Putnam County Code, entitled "Continuity of Government," be acknowledged in the record and cautioned that the code may not be as comprehensive as the proposed COOP. He emphasized the need to recognize the code if the COOP is approved.
Chairwoman Crowley defended the vendor relationship, saying the company "assisted the County greatly after the July 9, 2023 storm," helping particularly on the western side of the county with FEMA funding and restoration work, and said many neighboring counties have used the same contractor. Senior Deputy County Attorney Katherine McNeal said questions about procurement and vendor selection should be addressed by Legislative Counsel Heather Abissi. Legislator Regan said he had asked the same procurement questions and, after discussion with the company's representative at a Protective Services Committee meeting, was comfortable with the service being provided at the requested cost.
Chairwoman Crowley moved to pre-file the necessary resolution; Legislator Regan seconded and the committee approved the pre-filing. Members asked Legislative Counsel to provide procurement clarification before the Full Legislative Meeting.
