§ 2-155. Exceptions.

(a)

Fuel bids are the only commodity exempt from the sealed bid process because of the quantity, time factor of demand, and the daily pricing volatility.

(b)

Change orders to a purchase order or contract may be approved by:

(1)

The department head if the value of the change order is under $5,000.00;

(2)

The county manager if the value of the change order is under $30,000.00; and

(3)

The board of commissioners if the change exceeds $30,000.00.

(c)

Professional services may be engaged by the county manager or the board of commissioners on a project basis for specific activities or for a specific duration of time when it is in the best interest of the county to engage these services without obtaining competitive bids and/or proposals.

(d)

The county may purchase goods or services (i.e., piggyback) from any federal, state, cooperative purchasing agreement, Georgia Group procurement contract, or any other "piggyback" contracts entered into by other legal governing authority established by state law that has been awarded after a documented competitive bid and/or proposal process and that the procurement is in the best interest of the county.

(e)

Emergency purchases shall be authorized by the county manager whenever a condition exists that presents a threat to the safety, health, and welfare of the citizens of the county and when it is determined that following the normal procurement process would cause undue delay in the delivery of essential services under the emergency conditions.

(f)

Sole-source vendor. The county manager shall approve the purchase of any item that is available from only one vendor and is considered a sole-source vendor purchase. This approval should be obtained before the requirement is sent to the purchasing manager for processing.

(g)

Purchase used, leased, or rented equipment. The county manager may waive the bidding requirements for the procurement of used equipment or obtaining equipment through a rental or lease agreement when such a purchase would be in the best interest of the county. The waiver can only be accomplished on a per incident basis.

(h)

Recurring purchases such as utility bills, landscaping bills, pest control bills, copier leases, etc. do not require a purchase order. These bills may be paid by invoice entry.

(i)

Business travel expenses are governed by the policies outlined in the county employee policy and procedures manual. A local spreadsheet that can be completed to obtain travel reimbursement for authorized expenditures is available on the county intranet. This form should be completed with necessary documentation, reviewed and approved by the department head.

(Ord. No. 17-004 , § 5, 2-20-2017)