County staff outline phased rollout of procurement card program and new platform SpinClarity

Senior staff brought the commission an update on the county procurement card program (referred to in the meeting as the PECAR program) and described recent changes and next steps.

"The PECAR program is designed to make every purchase more streamlined for our departments while still meeting all state procurement requirements," Tara told commissioners. She said each card is configured with specific purchase categories, requires brief online training and a quiz before activation, and keeps spending limits and audit controls in place. "Even though the cards create efficiency, they do not allow unrestricted spending," Tara said.

Tara said the county made an unplanned midstream transition to a new online platform called SpinClarity and that one helpful feature is a mobile app that lets cardholders photograph receipts at checkout. After initial testing with CIS assistance, staff will begin phase 2 by issuing cards to two facilities management supervisors and will expand to additional departments, with a goal of having the program fully operational by year-end.

The commission did not vote on the program during the meeting; staff was thanked and asked to return with any necessary implementation details for future meetings.