Auditors probe Kay County bidding practices

NEWKIRK, Okla. (AP) – State officials are investigating bidding practices by commissioners in a northern Oklahoma county.

The Oklahoman reports Kay County commissioners are accused of misusing six-month bid contracts to get around the intent of Oklahoma’s competitive bidding laws.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and state auditors are looking into the allegations. Their investigation was prompted after a bidder filed a complaint to the Kay County district attorney.

The contractor had claimed construction projects were being divided so they would be under the dollar limit for which competitive bids were required by state law.

The Kay County Commission chairman says he doesn’t think investigators will find any wrongdoing. He argues state law places no cap on the amount for which six-month bids can be used.