During a recent budget work session on June 6, 2025, the Person County Commissioners engaged in a significant discussion regarding the support of local businesses. The conversation highlighted the county's commitment to fostering a thriving local economy, particularly through the efforts of a dedicated department focused on small business recruitment and support.

One commissioner raised the question of whether there is an established policy promoting local business support. They emphasized the importance of local businesses, noting that these entities not only contribute to tax revenue but also create jobs and stimulate economic activity by attracting customers from neighboring counties. The commissioner expressed a desire for clearer guidance on how the county can enhance its support for local enterprises.

In response, county officials acknowledged the absence of a formal policy mandating local purchasing but clarified that there are existing practices aimed at encouraging it. They mentioned the implementation of Amazon Business, which allows county departments to compare prices and make cost-effective purchasing decisions. While this program provides an option for departments to save taxpayer dollars, officials stressed that it does not discourage local purchasing. They noted that many local businesses are willing to price match, providing an opportunity for departments to support the local economy while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

The discussion also raised concerns about the effectiveness of these practices. One commissioner questioned how the county can ensure that departments are consistently giving local businesses the chance to match prices. While officials acknowledged that they cannot guarantee this occurs in every instance, they reiterated the importance of communication and the intent to prioritize local businesses whenever feasible.

In addition to the local business discussion, the meeting touched on budgetary matters, including an increase in contracted services related to digital archiving and request management systems. This increase, amounting to $2,015, was attributed to annual subscription costs for services provided by Archive Social and NextRequest.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's ongoing efforts to balance fiscal efficiency with the need to support local businesses. As the budget process continues, the commissioners will need to consider how best to formalize their commitment to local economic growth while managing taxpayer resources effectively.