Land Bank removes local-contractor preference from procurement policy

Members of the Manistee County Land Bank Authority reviewed the current procurement policy, focusing on language that gave preference to local contractors. After discussion about bidder participation, competitiveness, fairness, and legal defensibility, the Authority reached consensus to remove all local preference language from the policy and approved a motion to effect that change.

The motion to remove local preference language carried by unanimous vote. Board members said the change was intended to broaden competition and reduce exposure to legal challenge; staff will update policy documents and proceed with revisions for future procurements.