Tyrone’s New Purchasing Procedures
At the last Town Council meeting Judy Jefferson presented a bid or bids for “Phase I” improvements at Shamrock Park for approval. The agenda item was listed as “Judy Jefferson – Shamrock Park Restoration Committee Report”. The Town management did not provide any information to the taxpayers that bids were to be presented for some type of work at Shamrock Park (removal of the basketball court?). This action without public input does bring up a few questions:
Unless I missed it or it happened at one of the Councils secret meetings, Judy Jefferson is a citizen not a Town employee. How does a citizen get to go out and solicit bids on behalf of the Town? Does Ms. Jefferson’s actions comply with the Town’s purchasing regulations? This appears to be a public works type project, which are governed by State regulations, is Ms. Jefferson aware of this fact? Did Ms. Jefferson comply with the State’s regulations? Were bid documents or specifications prepared, are they on file with the Town? Was this work advertised, or did Ms. Jefferson simply call on those companies that she liked? (One of this groups criticism of the previous council and management was that local businesses could not get to bid on Town projects, it would be hypocritical if this group is doing the same thing). Did the Town Attorney approve of this type of procurement or did Ms. Jefferson just have to get Grace Caldwell’s approval? What is the Town’s liability exposure from a company that did not get the opportunity to bid, does the Town’s insurance cover this type of claims? How will the Town management hold Ms. Jefferson accountable for her actions?
The work may be needed or not, only the select few know what is being done. Shamrock Park does need to be improved but it should be done with full public disclosure. I guess the promise of “open government” was made before this Council was sworn in.
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