Saline County is revamping its purchasing policy to streamline operations and enhance transparency in spending public funds. The County Commission unveiled the comprehensive rewrite at a recent meeting, aiming to align with evolving standards.
With an annual expenditure exceeding $11 million on goods and services, the County recognized the need for an updated policy that reflects state laws, ethical practices, and Commission directives. The initiative, part of the Commission's Vision for 2023 focusing on Service and Infrastructure, aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency.
The revised policy, developed after extensive consultations with experts, department heads, elected officials, and legal counsel, introduces several key changes. These include the designation of a Purchasing Agent, clearer delegation lines to departments, enhanced protest procedures, and an emphasis on ethical decision-making by staff. The policy change passed in a 4-1 vote.