The County of Hidalgo Purchasing policies, Procedures, and forms, in Section 19 page 38, states, “ The Commissioners Court has delegated the authority to make change orders to a contract that involves an increase or decrease costing less than $50,000, to the Purchasing Agent or other designee.  However, the purchasing agent does not have the authority if the change increases the original contract price by more than 25% (unless the Change I needed to comply with law or judicial decision) or decreases the contract by 18 percent or more without the contractor’s agreement.”
 
The Urban County Program is requesting that such a Grant of General Authority be made to the Director, under the conditions listed above, and for Change Orders requesting additional time for completion. This would help to speed up project spending and completion, while Commissioners’ Court would still retain responsibility for any proposed major changes.