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Article 4 <br />PURCHASING REGULATIONS <br />I. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS <br />Statutory provision for purchasing by local governments and regulations thereof <br />are contained primarily in North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 143 <br />(multiple sections, but generally GS § 143-129 through § 143-135). Other specific <br />duties, responsibilities, and authorities are contained in GS Chapters 14, 44A, 66, <br />75, 87, 105, 153A, 160A and 159, the Local Government Budget and Fiscal <br />Control Act. By virtue of these statutes, the County is empowered to enter into <br />the purchasing of materials and the contracting of services. The County Board of <br />Commissioners has full budget and signature authority for all contracts. The <br />authority to sign contracts for normal operation supplies and service contracts has <br />been delegated to the County Manager or his designee, the Purchasing Agent and <br />Department Heads. <br />II. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET AND FISCAL CONTROL ACT <br />Under the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act, all contractual <br />obligations must be supported by an appropriation that authorizes the <br />expenditure. Appropriations are detailed in the annual budgets approved by the <br />County Board of Commissioners. All contracts and purchase orders must also <br />contain a signed statement by the Finance Officer indicating that it has been pre- <br />audited as required by the Act. <br />At the time the obligation is incurred, there must be an unencumbered balance <br />remaining in the appropriation sufficient to pay the obligation in the current <br />fiscal year. The Departments are responsible for ensuring that funds are <br />available before submitting a requisition to Purchasing. <br />Page 16 of 48 <br />F-5 <br />Attachment number 1 <br />Page 81 <br />