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Highlands Today

County's Preference Plan Strikes The Right Balance

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 21, 2008

It appears that Highlands County Administrator Michael Wright and Purchasing Director Jed Secory have come up with a winning proposal for county commissioners to consider on Tuesday. Their plan is a well thought-out policy that gives local companies an edge when it comes to doing business with the county.

The duo has been putting the finishing touches on the plan that offers contractors and other businesses a preference plan that makes the playing field much more level for local businesses wanting to land county contracts.

The plan is on four tiers, with contracts of up to $250,000 giving locals a 5 percent advantage on out-of-county firms bidding for the same jobs. For contracts between $250,000 and $1 million, the advantage to local businesses is 4 percent. A 3 percent advantage is provided for contracts between $1 million and $2 million. Anything over $2 million and locals would get a 2 percent preference.

Other stipulations in the proposed plan would require these businesses to be operating for at least a year to earn the local preference. That would prevent outsiders from setting up an "dummy" office to land contracts over local businesses.

Everyone wants the best deal for county contracts, and for taxpayer money to be spent as frugally as possible. This plan allows that, and also helps keep our local economy stimulated by having more local businesses landing contracts with our county. That means more people living in Highlands County can actually make a living. There's nothing to dislike about this proposal.

Many counties throughout Florida and the United States have preference policies, although they vary a great deal. The plan that will go before commissioners on Tuesday is about as good as it gets.

Wright and Secory seemed to find the right balance of providing a preference without it being unfair. It also serves county taxpayers well by spending money the right way, with added benefits.

We like the work Wright and Secory did on this plan and hope the county commission approves it at Tuesday's meeting.

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