Broome Democrats Want to Make Sure Bid Rules are Followed

Democrats in the Broome County Legislature are proposing a measure that would require the filing of an official statement affirming that all county laws and policies have been followed regarding awarding contracts along with the request for legislative approval of the bid. 

The move comes after a no-bid contract for expansion at the Broome County Correctional Facility was hastily put on hold as legislators learned there had not been open bidding on the project followed by public hearings.

Democrat Jason Garnar says legislators want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Executive Debra Preston’s office has said the submitting of a lone bid for the $843,000 contract by Rochester-based LaBella Associates for architectural and engineering services under an executive waiver was an oversight.

Garner claims legislators were not aware of a waiver request in order to expedite the construction project.