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Vilas Co. Vehicle Bid Process Questioned

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How vehicles are purchased by the Vilas County highway department was questioned when it was learned this week some quotes came from phone calls to local dealers and others by sealed bid, however those bids were opened weeks earlier by employees without any public notice and prior to the highway committee meeting.

Purchase of a pick up truck had staff phone local vendors and received quotes ranging from $29 to $34,000 and no information from the state approved contract.

When asked about not requiring sealed bids for equipment over $25,000, Vilas County highway commissioner Nick Sholtes  contacted county corporation counsel Jack Alberts for an opinion. Albert said he would look into it and the committee postponed any decision.

A tri-axel truck had five sealed bids ranging from $105 to $122,000. These bids were opened Dec. 5 by two employees who prepared a spread sheet for the Dec. 19 committee meeting. When asked why bids were opened by staff without any public notice the response was the highway committee established this policy.

The committee approved purchase of the lowest of the five bids.

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