Recently I was confronted twice concerning the lease with option to purchase of new equipment for our county road department and why I did not accept the low bid as required by state law.

This is one of many false or misleading rumors, and I want to address those misleading rumors about my decision of the recent lease of the ten (10) road graders. This misleading rumor, in my opinion, is by someone who lacks knowledge and understanding of basic requirements, therefore, only partial truth without stating all the facts. In being financially responsible to the taxpayers, I have not accepted any bid on the basis of just one part of that bid. I must, as required by State Code "take into consideration all relevant facts, including, without limitation, quality, time of performance, probability of performance and location". The particular bid came down to two final vendors, and the losing vendor did have the lowest monthly payment. However, when as required by State Code, I evaluated all other "relevant facts" I found the following:

When all factors are considered I did accept the lowest bid by $144,393.00. Do those making complaints not want Carroll County to continue on the current path of successful financial management.

Additionally, after the bid was awarded interest rates dropped, as is public knowledge. The awarded vendor, without request, lowered the payment by $508.00 per month, or $18,288.00 over the 36 month term, an additional savings of taxpayer dollars. This was not considered in awarding of the bid. This is only an after award benefit to the taxpayers of Carroll County.

Remember as I have stated…Responsibility and Accountability. I am fulfilling, and will continue to live up to that pledge.