The Salem City Council on a three-two vote has approved giving local vendors up to a 10-percent advantage when bidding on city projects. It had been five percent, but councilman Craig Morton suggested increasing it at the last meeting.
City Manager Rex Barbee issued a warning provided by City Attorney Mike Jones before the vote.
“Raising this to 10% could effectively influence someone who might be wanting to bid. I don’t think it’s anything we want to bank on but if they know the city is going to have that leverage to accept local bids at 10% above what other bids are they may choose not to bid, but I don’t think that will be the case very often.”
However, the council would not have to approve a bid from a local business that is up to ten percent higher.
Councilmen Royce Bringwald and Amy Troutt voted no.
In other action:
- The Boone and Shelby Street intersection will be made a four way stop at the recommendation of a resident who lives at that corner.
- Food trucks will be allowed at Bryan Park for the Disc Golf Tourney scheduled for May 7th.
- Saved with Amazing Grace will be allowed to sell Concessions at youth soccer games. The vendor application fee will be waived because the non-profit group is using proceeds for the Thanksgiving Community Dinner and the Christmas Toy Program.
