By Chris OrletRecord Managing EditorThe Warrenton Board of Aldermen took a pass on creating a preferential policy for local vendors at their Oct. 1 meeting.The proposed policy would have allowed preferential treatment to local businesses if the difference between the low bid by an out-of-town vendor and the bid by a local vendor were similar and other factors were considered equal.In the end the board decided a written policy created more problems than it would address. The board agreed to continue to take up each case individually.Alderman John Cornell said that while it was important for him to shop locally, such a policy had too many unknown factors. “What’s local? The county? The region? What’s the radius?” he said.Alderman Gary Auch agreed. “I get hung up on the definition of local too,” he said. “I don’t see a need for a policy in my opinion.”Large cities are required by state statute to go with the low bidder. As a fourth-class municipality, Warrenton faces no such legal requirement. The board is required, however, to say why it is not taking the lowest bid.The board reviewed the policies of a number of nearby Missouri towns. Among those towns was the city of New Haven, whose policy states that “all reasonable efforts to find the lowest bidder and best price for all goods, services, materials and equipment procured by the city. Preference shall be given to local business and contractors where practicable.”The city of Troy’s policy reads in part: “It is the objective of the city to purchase products and/or services at the best prices.  Whenever possible, Troy vendors and/or Lincoln County vendors should be contacted. Bids are solicited from all interested and qualified suppliers.”Mayor Jerry Dyer asked if a written policy would dissuade out-of-town contractors or businesses from bidding. Dyer also questioned the wisdom of making decisions without a sound policy to back it up. “That was one of the things we heard in the recent audit,” he said.Cornell replied that the checks and balances on the process would be the majority vote of the board. “We’ll decide on a case-by-case basis.”Alderman Fred Flake said the board has been giving preference to local vendors for years. “It’s worked out well,” he said.The board rejected a proposal adopted by some local towns to allow local vendors a chance to modify their bids if they are outbid by an out-of-town vendor.Board: Preferential Policy Not Needed