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
Purchasing
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
KEY CONCEPT: Competitive Bidding During a Disaster
KEY QUESTION: Are there exemptions to the competitive bidding requirements during a disaster?
MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Local Government Code, Purchasing and Contracting Authority of Counties, Chapter 262, Section 262.024 TALKING POINTS: State law requires that public entities engage in competitive bidding. Sealed bids or proposals are required for purchases over $50,000. According to the statute, “A contract for the purchase of any of the following … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Competitive Bidding During a Disaster
Purchasing Statutes of Special Interest to Counties
With the next legislative session only a few months away, we can expect to see further changes in laws impacting procurement which will require careful attention to detail. During the 85th Legislative Session in 2017, several laws passed that require special wording be included in specifications to keep the county in compliance with purchasing statutes. B. 9 – established … [Read more...] about Purchasing Statutes of Special Interest to Counties