Board deviates from Procurement Policy to Use local vendors

By: Shelia Mader

At their most recent meeting, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to deviate from the county’s formal procurement policy in order to expedite much-needed improvements at Neal’s Landing. The move allows staff to solicit quotes directly from local septic tank companies rather than follow the standard 30-day public bidding process.

County Administrator Jim Dean introduced the request, explaining that the project will bring restrooms back online and add a dump station for campers as part of ongoing upgrades to the Neal’s Landing boat ramp and camping area. Dean emphasized that the plans and specifications for the project were already developed by engineering firm DHM, and the goal is to complete the work before the end of the current fiscal year.

“There was a volunteer group that came out and did all the electrical groundwork for the campsites, and now we’re working to restore the bathroom facilities,” Dean said. “We’re asking to deviate from the procurement policy and allow staff to obtain quotes from Jackson County septic companies based on those engineered plans.”

Deputy County Administrator Rett Daniels added that bypassing the full bid process would allow staff to collect quotes within a week and get work underway quickly. “This avoids the need to roll those budgeted dollars into next fiscal year,” Daniels said.

The septic system upgrades include two separate components: one for the restroom facilities and a second for a camper dump station. Daniels clarified that the campsites themselves will not have individual sewer hookups, but the new dump station will accommodate campers needing waste disposal.

Commissioner Donnie Branch confirmed with Daniels that both the dump station and the bathroom systems will be installed as part of the same project.

Commissioner Dr. Willie Spires raised a legal concern regarding the deviation from the county’s bidding process. “Is it legally okay for us to bypass the bidding process in this situation?” he asked.

County Attorney Michelle Jordan replied that the board has the authority to deviate from its own policy as long as it makes specific findings to justify the decision. “This is not a state or federal policy,” Dean added. “It’s this board’s policy, and this board has the authority to deviate from it.”