When it comes to county government purchasing, the statutes contain many requirements that must be met. These requirements are scattered throughout the statutes – not just in the section known as the County Purchasing Act – and change each time the Texas Legislature meets. It is the duty of every county official to follow these laws. Many counties rely on procurement … [Read more...] about Do’s and Don’ts of County Purchasing
Purchasing
Disclosure of Interested Parties by Persons Contracting with Governmental Entities
Government Code 2252, 84th, 85th and 86th Legislative Sessions
During the 84th Legislative Session in 2015, House Bill 1295 was passed and signed into law, despite concerns expressed by local government officials and procurement professionals. The bill added Section 2252.908 to the Government Code. A governmental entity may not enter into a contract that requires a vote by the governing body of the entity before the contract may be … [Read more...] about Disclosure of Interested Parties by Persons Contracting with Governmental Entities
Key Concept: Competitive Bidding
QUESTION: What are the statutory regulations regarding competitive bidding? MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262 – The County Purchasing Act KEY ADDITIONAL REFERENCE POINTS (Note: There are many more laws that impact County purchasing.): Local Government Code Chapter 271, subchapters B, C and D, relating to competitive bidding on certain … [Read more...] about Key Concept: Competitive Bidding
Conflicts of Interest in Procurement: These Could Make Headline News!
When counties make the headlines, it is sometimes due to actions that result from conflicts of interest in procurement, or the appearance of conflict. It is good practice to review the requirements in the Texas statutes related to conflict of interest and ensure that officials and employees of the county avoid violations of the statutes. According to Government Code 572.001, … [Read more...] about Conflicts of Interest in Procurement: These Could Make Headline News!
KEY CONCEPT: Public Finance Options
KEY QUESTION: Can a county finance debt?
MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Article XI, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution – a county that borrows money is required to establish an interest and sinking fund. Texas Government Code Chapter 1251 – bond election provisions. Texas Government Code Chapter 1431 – authorizes the issuance of tax notes. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 271, Subchapter C – authorizes a … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Public Finance Options