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If they'd chosen not to approve the lowest bidder, county officials would be required to provide state authorities with well-documented reasons for their decision.
"I recommend you reject all bids and rebid the entire project," county attorney Raymond Large said.
In addition to rebidding the project, Commissioner Stacy Buchanan suggested the specifications be modified so "we know exactly which radio they are bidding on."
But Fox said the specs could not legally request a specific brand and model of radio. She also indicated her office is reviewing the prospects of purchasing the equipment on state contract.
"If we did that, then the local people could do the maintenance," Commissioner Conrad Burrell pointed out.
Two other contracts for equipment were awarded during the April 5 meeting. A low bid of $63,904 for library furniture at the new Scotts Creek Elementary School submitted by Interior Systems was approved, as was a bid of $29,750 submitted by Advanced Irrigation Contractors for a watering system at the new Cullowhee Recreation Park.
Budget amendments requested by the Department of Public Health were praised by Chairman Jay Denton and approved by the board. The department brought in more than $77,000 in grants, including $15,000 to address the county's pediatric population at risk for asthma and $52,851 over two years to support a farmworker health program.
Appearing before the board, Cashiers Community Development Council President Eddie Madden and its treasurer, Lester Freeman, provided an overview of improvements under way at the recreation facility. With this fiscal year's increase in funding, upgrades have been made to the walking trail, swimming pool and the building, which houses a kitchen, thrift store and small gymnasium.
Council officials were also able to expand the park by an additional 7 acres, Madden said, which will be used to offer more sports activities, including Little League, softball and basketball courts. Additional funds and labor are being donated by the community to supplement the county's $125,000 contribution, Madden said.
Board members approved safety policies for county employees involving the use of ladders and scaffolding and how to prevent fires. A technology plan and a five-year public housing plan were also approved.
Two out of seven agencies requesting appointments to their boards were accommodated. Mary Beth Druzbick was named to the Travel and Tourism Authority, and Jimmi Buell, Jim Dukes and Odell Thompson were all added to the countywide Greenway committee. Boards still needing appointments are the Region A Aging Advisory Council, the county manager selection committee, the transportation committee, TWSA review committee and county planning board.
Also tabled last week was a request from John and Judy Aurtrey, owners of the Stardust Motel, to waive a room occupancy tax penalty of $760. Neither of the Aurtreys was available to provide an explanation during the meeting.
The next meeting of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners will be held Thursday, April 19, at the Justice Center beginning at 5 p.m. with a work session. The regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
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