Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on approving the Utility Card Payment Policy and approving an annual exemption of utility expenditures from competitive bidding requirements in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 262.024 DISCRETIONARY EXEMPTIONS (a) A contract for the purchase of any of the following items is exempt from the requirement established by Section 262.023 if the Commissioners Court by order grants the exemption (7) an item that can be obtained from only one source, including: (C ) electric power, gas, water, and other utility services.

The Utility Payment Card Policy has been developed by the Purchasing Department and the Accounts Payable Department to streamline the method in which the county pays for utility services to include water, electric, gas and telephone.  The Purchasing Department will oversee the ordering of the cards and initial training of the cardholder.    Accounts Payable (AP) anticipates 20-30 Utility Payment Cards issued countywide.  The AP office will receive monthly payment statements from the end users and make all payments to JP Morgan Chase.  Their process for this will mirror and align with the current process used for PCards.  An annual exemption from competitive bidding for utility services will be submitted to the Commissioners Court for approval documenting the Texas Local Government Code 262.024 DISCRETIONARY EXEMPTIONS (a) A contract for the purchase of any of the following items is exempt from the requirement established by Section 262.023 if the Commissioners Court by order grants the exemption (7) an item that can be obtained from only one source, including: (C ) electric power, gas, water, and other utility services.