County policy on purchasing in the works

The Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kans. | Local News: "Eyebrows rose in Reno County Commission chambers over the Sheriff's Department's purchase of a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, complete with spoiler, sunroof and leather interior.

It wasn't the $8,500 price for the vehicle sold by Conklin Cars, Hutchinson, as much as the lack of sealed bids that concerned officials.

Sheriff Randy Henderson, an elected official with funds in his budget to cover the cost, was not required to seek a commission vote on the purchase, County Counselor Joe O'Sullivan said.

Fiscal Administrator Tim Davies and O'Sullivan are developing an overall county purchasing policy, though, that would address such acquisitions in the future.

'I think that's what Dennis (Undersheriff Stofer) has been asking for all along,' Henderson said.

The manner in which the Grand Prix was bought was not unusual for the department.

An officer who delivers civil papers, such as subpoenas, will develop the specifications for the used vehicle and then shop at different dealers for models. The process servers who go out to rural areas, for example, will shop for four-wheel-drive vehicles, Stofer said."