The Lubbock County Commissioners Court held a work session on June 24, 2025, focusing on updates to procurement policies and the management of county assets. The meeting began with discussions on recent legislative changes, particularly House Bill 1173, which raised the purchasing threshold from $50,000 to $100,000. This change will streamline the bidding process, allowing the county to obtain three quotes without the need for formal advertising in the newspaper. The new purchasing policy is expected to be finalized by September 1, 2025.

County officials also discussed the implementation of a new purchasing card (p-card) policy, which aims to enhance clarity and efficiency in procurement processes. The p-card program has seen an increase in usage, with monthly transactions ranging from 400 to 1,000, depending on departmental needs. Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance and proper use of p-cards, including verifying travel authorizations and ensuring that sales tax is not improperly paid.

The meeting also touched on the county's auction processes for surplus items, including firearms. A successful firearms auction was held earlier in the year, with over 70 pieces sold. The court discussed the importance of tracking auction numbers and the benefits of increasing auction activity to reduce excess inventory.

Overall, the session highlighted the county's efforts to adapt to new legislation and improve procurement practices, with a focus on efficiency and accountability in managing public resources. The next steps include finalizing the new purchasing policy and continuing to monitor the effectiveness of the p-card program and auction processes.