County credit card policy updated

During its Feb. 7 meeting, the Ellis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an update to the county’s purchasing and credit card policy, designating purchasing card limits.

The credit card limits include a single purchase limit and a 30-day limit.

The court had approved the assembly of a county credit card policy committee during its Sept. 30 meeting. Commissioner Paul Perry offered to head the committee and create a “more succinct, more down to earth” credit card policy.

“The initial focus of the committee was on providing consistency of cardholder purchasing card limits and providing recommended limits,” purchasing agent E.J. Harbin said.

Harbin explained to the court that the committee met Dec. 6 and created a three-tiered transaction structure, similar to Denton County’s.

For both single purchase limits and 30-day limits, the tiers start at the top with elected officials and department directors with a $12,500 limit, then managers and supervisors with a $5,000 limit, and finally, all other employees with a $1,500 limit.

Employees who need to make purchases above the limit could request by email for a temporary one-time increase, Harbin said.

“The goal is to provide consistency while providing flexibility to meet the business need when a purchase needs to be made quickly,” Harbin said.

Asked by County Judge Todd Little if Perry felt this update accomplishes his initial goal, he said yes.

“I think this gives us some flexibility but also the ability to meet the demands of the department,” Perry said.

Originally published February 15, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/news/local/county-credit-card-policy-updated/article_552cf7ae-ad86-11ed-a2b8-d386d2035711.html