Reference Number: CTAS-902
The County Purchasing Law of 1957 contains specific provisions which must be followed when making purchases on behalf of the county. These provisions, set out in T.C.A. § 5-14-108, are as follows:
- All bids, purchase orders, and other documents pertaining to the award of contracts must be retained for five years. T.C.A. § 5-14-108(g).
- If all bids received are for the same unit price or total amount, the purchasing agent may reject all bids and purchase the supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services in the open market as long as the price paid does not exceed the bid price. T.C.A. § 5-14-108(h).
- All contracts must be approved as to form by the county attorney, and the original of long-term contracts must be filed with the county clerk. T.C.A. § 5-14-108(j).
- Purchases cannot be made from anyone whose business tax or license is delinquent. T.C.A. § 5-14-108(l).
- Commitments for the purchase of materials, supplies equipment and contractual services which extend beyond the end of the current fiscal year must be authorized by resolution of the county legislative body. T.C.A. § 5-14-108(m).