Public supports Calvert County plan to add local preference in procurement; record closed for review

Calvert County finance staff presented a working draft to implement a reciprocal local-preference policy for county procurement, proposing that a bidder with a principal office in Calvert County receive a preference equal to any local preference the nonresident bidder’s home jurisdiction provides.

Bruce Miller, the county finance director, said the policy responds to a multi-year effort and aims to keep more government spending in-county to support local businesses. He told the board data show nonresident bidders often win despite reciprocal-preference programs and that staff convened local experts and business stakeholders to develop the draft.

Three speakers from the business community urged adoption: Gail Reed, a school-bus contractor who also provides summer program services, said contracts for county services frequently go to firms outside Calvert and that local hiring would increase when local firms get the work. Kathy Manny (Calvert Chamber) and Cynthia Thorne Carter (transportation company owner and minority-business leader) also praised the policy and asked the county to give the program a chance while noting it will be reviewed annually.

The county clerk noted written comments were made part of the record. Because the legislation becomes effective Oct. 1, the board closed the public hearing record (the local-government article procedure requires that the record remain open for at least 10 days before final action); the board did not take final action at the meeting.

Commissioners said they will revisit the ordinance within the statutory period and continue refining the working draft with stakeholders.