Oklahoma auditor faults Kay County bid work

NEWKIRK, Okla. (AP) – Three financial audits released by the state Auditor and Inspector’s office are raising questions about bids filed for Kay County road and bridge projects.

State Auditor Gary Jones told The Oklahoman newspaper on Thursday (http://bit.ly/1ssD6Ra ) that he will detail his findings to a special prosecutor. The local district attorney stepped aside because he provides legal advice to Kay County officials.

Jones said it appeared some contracts went to businesses that were not the low bidder in the period from 2010 to 2012.

An investigative audit is expected within a few weeks.

Kay County Commission Chairman Tyson Rowe had told the newspaper previously that some contracts were spread among multiple bidders because of concerns that all the material needed wouldn’t be available from the low bidder.