Services
County Champion
SPOTLIGHT
Salt Procurement
Road salt is essential for winter operations and demand can surge quickly during severe weather. Planning ahead helps ensure adequate supply, competitive pricing and timely delivery.
Kentucky law provides multiple procurement options, allowing counties to choose the approach that best fits their needs:
- Sealed bidding
- State price contracts
- Cooperative purchasing
- Interlocal cooperative agreements
Sealed Bidding
A traditional and widely used approach, sealed bidding and reverse auctions promote transparency, competition and responsible use of public funds. These methods follow Kentucky procurement laws, including KRS Chapter 424 and the Model Procurement Code (KRS Chapter 45A).
State or Federal Price Contracts
Counties may purchase salt through contracts already competitively bid by the state or federal government. This option reduces administrative work while still providing competitive pricing.
Cooperative Purchasing
Kentucky law allows counties to purchase goods and services through cooperative purchasing agreements with other governmental entities. Under KRS 45A.295 and KRS 45A.300, counties may utilize contracts that have already been competitively procured by another public agency or cooperative purchasing organization.
Interlocal Cooperation Agreement
Kentucky law allows public agencies to collaborate on shared services and procurement activities under KRS 65.210–65.300. With an interlocal cooperation agreement, counties can partner with other local governments to jointly procure salt to potentially improve pricing, delivery terms and vendor interest.
