Orangeburg County's new procurement ordinance, which includes preferences for local and minority vendors, was given final, third reading Monday by County Council.

The county's old purchasing regulations did not include any preferences, County Administrator Bill Clark said after the session.

The new procurement ordinance allows a credit, equal to 2 percent of the bid, for qualified bidders who are state residents, county residents and minorities. A vendor who meets all three categories would receive a 6 percent preference. There would be a cap of $25,000, he said.

As an example, the administrator said that, if there were a hypothetical $500,000 bid, a vendor who met all three preferences could be awarded the bid at $520,000.

County Attorney D'Anne Haydel said after the session that state law allows the preferences. However, she said that she is not aware of any other county that has a preference for local vendors or minorities.

"They can, but I don't know if they do," she said.

The change, made as part of the county's periodic review of ordinances, has been described as designed to more clearly reflect state law.

Councilman Clyde Livingston, who tried unsuccessfully to add an unspecified amendment prior to third reading, and Councilwoman Janie Cooper did not attend the session Monday, due to illness.

In other business, council:

* Gave final third reading to an ordinance transferring a utility right-of-way to the city of Orangeburg. The city needs the utility easement through the portion of Gibson Street that the county is closing for renovations to enhance security at the County Courthouse.

* Gave second reading to an ordinance, described by Council Chairman Johnnie Wright as "self explanatory," that will establish a new animal control ordinance. The old ordinance regarding animals and fowl is being repealed.

According to Haydel, the proposed new ordinance is "100 percent in accordance with state law, but not as broad. It deals primarily with dogs and cats" and prohibits any more exotic animals brought into the county.

* After a public hearing, gave second reading to a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with Triumph Tube. Earlier this year, the firm announced plans to locate its flagship and U.S. headquarters at Carolina Regional Park. The park is located near U.S. 601 and Interstate 26. The company will locate into a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Triumph plans to invest $3.5 million and generate 40 new jobs over the next five years.

Under the standard fee-in-lieu-of-taxes inducement agreement, in exchange for its investment, the company will pay taxes based on a 6 percent assessment ratio rather than the usual 10.5 percent industrial assessment.

* Passed a resolution authorizing Lake Marion Regional Water Agency to file a pre-application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development loan program. Clark said that the stimulus funding, a "one-time window of opportunity," will provide a "build out" for the water project that extends to five counties. The estimated project cost is $75 million to $85 million.

* Accepted the $912,988.75 low bid, submitted by Cherokee Inc. of Columbia, for road construction using state "C" funds. The project covers some 3.32 miles of dirt roads the county agreed to pave. Due to the economy, Clark said, the county decided to check out "what's in the private sector," in order to get a bargain.

"It's almost as cheap as the county doing it," said Councilman Harry Wimberly.

* Accepted the $35,916 low bid, submitted by LW Inc. of Anderson, for water system testing. The Lake Marion-related project covers lines in the Santee and Bowman areas. Now that the water is available for fire departments, insurance rates should improve for area homeowners.

* Received as information, requests from Andrew Johnson, president of the Concerned Citizens of Whittaker Heights, for various improvements, including more street lights, a recreation center and a clean-up of streets leading into the city.

Council Willie B. Owens, who represents the area, said that engineering work for sidewalks has been done and the city's Department of Public Utilities can be contacted about additional lighting.

As for other requests, he said, "the list is rather long. We'll put it on a continuing plan."

* Received as information, appreciation from Deloris Frazier for volunteers and contributions to the recent youth activities day.

* In closed, executive session, received an economic development briefing and, after amending the agenda, an update on the county's agreement with the YMCA.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

You must be logged in to comment.