County updates credit‑card policy to allow in‑store purchases; staff says tighter controls will remain

The Houston County legislative body approved a revised credit‑card policy intended to allow county staff to make in‑store purchases and access better prices, while preserving tight controls on card use.

During discussion, a county official noted that the current online-only card policy has prevented purchases at some retailers and that adding authorization for limited in-store use would make purchasing easier for department heads and save county funds. A staff member described existing controls: a logbook for purchases, sign‑in procedures, and strict oversight of card use. The staff member said the policy change would not increase the number of cards but would expand controlled use of the existing Visa card.

The policy was presented, discussed briefly, and approved in a roll‑call vote. The transcript records commissioners asking questions and the presence of 'Miss Bennett' to answer policy questions, though Bennett did not provide extended remarks on the record. The vote was recorded as a roll call with multiple 'Yes' responses and the motion carried.