NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
In an effort to maintain the public's confidence, the County Board recently updated the Winnebago County Purchasing Ordinance. The approved amendment supports the County’s desire for responsible bidders in public works projects funded by the County and requires participation in active apprenticeships and training programs, ensuring a properly trained and competent workforce.
We took this opportunity to make a complete overhaul to our Purchasing Ordinance not only to advocate for responsible bidders, but to prevent other inequities in purchasing practices such as sole sourcing and the absence of competitive bidding. We worked with State representatives and local legislators who sponsored HB1236 to allow for these potential apprenticeships, and our board and staff collectively worked on finalizing this new ordinance for more than a year.
The need for responsible bidder and apprenticeship language is rooted in our mission to uphold high standards of work, equity, and community betterment. We are striving to promote economic development by encouraging the participation of Winnebago County businesses, by providing equal opportunity for minority, Veteran, and women-owned businesses, and by applying environmentally sound practices in the procurement process. I am proud of how this will positively impact our operations and those looking to do business with Winnebago County.
As we close out the remainder of the year, I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and I look forward to all that is to come in 2024!
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Chiarelli
Winnebago County Board Chairman
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