After all, some of those taxpayers own and work at local business. In the aftermath of developing that manual, commissioners established an unwritten policy of accepting the lowest responsible bid. Certainly, elected officials would prefer taxpayers' dollars remain within the boundaries of their jurisdictions. But the process also needs to be fair. That's why specifications are set and bids remain sealed.
Every bidder is offered a fair shot, from vehicles to computers to building contractors.
It's understandable commissioners wrestle with the dilemma of wanting to support local businesses versus meeting their fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers they represent. The commission shouldn't deviate from the policy of accepting the lowest bid, unless there is a compelling reason the low bidder is not fit for a project or product. Future commissioners may differ. But this panel has applied its rules equally, and fairly, to all. When taxpayers' dollars are involved, that's the best policy.