Hughson goes local

A new ordinance making it easier for city hall to use local businesses and services rather than outside interests breezed through Hughson City Council Oct. 26.

City Attorney John Stovall explained that councilmen have frequently commented about prioritizing local industry.

The ordinance states that Hughson will favor businesses located in the city when the differences between local and outside prices are less than the sales tax benefit received from the sale. Simply put, if the cost of an out-of-town product or service is more than the cost of a local item plus the sales tax, the city's going local.

"If it's a complete washout with the sales tax, I think we should still go with the local," Councilman Matt Beekman opined.

Ordinance No. 09-07 states that the city spends significant amounts on supplies, materials, services and equipment each year, but the money used for these purchases mostly comes through taxes and fees from local businesses. In addition, Hughson has a long term interest in allowing local businesses, which contribute jobs and tax revenue to the local economy, more opportunities to compete for city purchasing contracts. The new ordinance will allow a "fair competitive process for the efficient use of taxpayers' dollars," according to the wording.