Public Hearings - CHR 5-2013 PURCHASING

A public hearing was held today at 6:46 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room, R. Clayton Mitchell Jr., County Government Center, Chestertown, Maryland, for CHR 5-2013 which is AN ACT to add Chapter 49 Purchasing to the Code of Public Local Laws of Kent County, Maryland. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the taxpayers of Kent County with an economical and efficient method of public purchasing. The chapter will promote maximum competition without compromising quality; provide fairness in selection of Vendors; assure quality goods and services at the best price; and provide clear, accurate and uniform information on goods, services or construction to be purchased. This will be accomplished by implementing standardized regulations and procedures under a uniform purchasing system.

County Commissioners, Ronald Fithian, William Pickrum, and William Short were in attendance as well as Ernest Crofoot, County Administrator.

A work session advertised and open to the public, was held at 5:00 p.m., to discuss CHR 5-2013, Purchasing. In the work session, Mr. Crofoot reviewed suggested changes, additions, and corrections. The Board agreed on some modifications and staff will amend accordingly. The work session ended at 5:35 p.m.

Commissioner Fithian read the proposed legislation into the record.

Mr. Crofoot stated the amended legislation was not substantively changed and would be available for review prior to the vote on September 3, 2013, the next legislative day, and there would be opportunity to comment prior to the vote.

Commissioner Fithian invited comments and questions from the audience. Pat Merritt, Chief Finance Officer, stated the legislation will benefit the County. No one else present requested to comment or ask questions.

Written comments will be accepted in the Commissioners’ Office until Friday, August 30, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

The hearing was taped for reference and the Commissioners adjourned the public hearing at 6:51 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Sondra M. Blackiston, Clerk

Approved:
Ronald H. Fithian, President
The County Commissioners
Of Kent County, Maryland