Public works seeks approval to buy asphalt; staff outlines special procurement path

Brad (public works) described a road project and asked the board to approve the purchase of asphalt from Dry County Paving, estimating roughly 6,900 tons at about $62 per ton and an approximate cost near $402,000. "So, it should be about $402,000," Brad said when summarizing the estimate.

County counsel (Eric, appearing remotely) advised that purchases of this scale normally require an RFP but noted an alternative procurement method under state law. "The alternative method is described in ORS 279B.085, and it would require that the board of commissioners make certain findings and then also that a public notice of the approval of the special procurement be published in the same manner as a request for proposal," Eric said. Staff recommended drafting an order and publishing the notice so the board could act on Aug. 5, allowing the project scheduled to start Aug. 10 to proceed with the required procedural findings in place.

Commissioners agreed it would be prudent to return at the August 5 meeting with the required findings and public notice prepared. No formal procurement order was approved at the work session; staff will prepare the paperwork for a future action.