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Montgomery County Revamps Spending Policy

**Montgomery County Overhauls Purchasing Policy, Citing Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency**

**MONTGOMERY, TX – May 28, 2024** – The Montgomery County Commissioners Court today officially approved a comprehensive overhaul of the county’s purchasing policy, a move designed to bring greater consistency, transparency, and accountability to how taxpayer dollars are spent. The new regulations, the first major update since 2004, are set to take effect on October 1, 2024, coinciding with the start of the next fiscal year.

The sweeping changes are the culmination of nearly a year of dedicated work by an ad hoc committee formed in July 2023. Officials emphasized the need for standardized procedures to prevent past inconsistencies and ensure the county operates with the highest level of fiscal responsibility.

“This new purchasing policy marks a significant step forward for Montgomery County,” said County Judge Mark Keough following the vote. “Our goal has always been to ensure that every dollar spent is done so wisely, transparently, and in the best interest of our residents. This policy provides the framework to achieve that.”

Among the most impactful changes is the standardization of procurement thresholds. Under the new rules, any purchase exceeding $50,000 will now require a minimum of three competitive bids, contingent on feasibility. This measure aims to guarantee the county secures the best value for goods and services.

A cornerstone of the new policy is the centralization of the purchasing process. The county will bring on a new purchasing director to oversee all departmental procurement, moving away from a more fragmented system. This centralization is expected to streamline operations and enhance oversight.

“We heard consistently that our previous system lacked the uniformity needed across various departments,” explained Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker, who served on the ad hoc committee. “By centralizing the process and bringing in dedicated leadership, we’re building a more efficient and accountable system from the ground up.”

The policy also explicitly targets “splitting” purchases, a practice where larger procurements are broken into smaller segments to skirt competitive bidding requirements. This prohibition closes a potential loophole for mismanagement and reinforces the commitment to fair and open bidding.

For vendors, the new policy introduces an appeals process for disputes, offering a clear channel for resolving disagreements. Additionally, all county staff involved in purchasing will undergo mandatory training to ensure full understanding and compliance with the updated procedures. These detailed guidelines will be compiled into a new “County Purchasing Policy & Procedure Manual,” which will be accessible to the public, likely on the Montgomery County website once finalized.

The ad hoc committee, which met 14 times since its formation, included Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray, and County Judge Mark Keough. Their efforts focused on crafting a policy that balances efficiency with robust oversight.

“This wasn’t a quick fix; it was a methodical, thoughtful process,” added Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack. “We delved into every aspect of county purchasing to identify areas for improvement. The result is a policy that is not only clearer but also more protective of taxpayer interests.”

The implementation on October 1st will usher in a new era of standardized and transparent purchasing operations for Montgomery County, promising increased accountability and greater fiscal responsibility in county spending.

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