WHITE PLAINS, NY (April 19, 2025) — Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins signed a new law on April 16, 2025, aimed at strengthening oversight of public works bidding by enhancing the county’s ability to select the lowest responsible bidder for contracts over $35,000. The measure, Local Law 2025-109, passed unanimously by the Westchester County Board of Legislators on April 7, 2025, with a vote of 17-0, and marks a significant step toward transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
“Taxpayers deserve to know that their dollars are being spent wisely—and that public projects will be completed by contractors who have the track record and integrity to get the job done right,” Jenkins said. “This law gives the County the tools to look beyond just the lowest price and instead focus on who is truly the lowest responsible bidder.”
The law amends Chapter 233 of the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Article IV, titled “Board of Acquisition and Contract.” It establishes a comprehensive vetting process, requiring bidders to complete a questionnaire detailing their financial capacity, legal authority, integrity, past performance on government contracts, and compliance with labor laws. Contractors must also provide ongoing documentation to ensure they remain qualified throughout the project.
Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said, “This law represents a significant step forward in our commitment to responsible governance and fiscal accountability. By establishing a more thorough vetting process for contractors, we’re ensuring that Westchester County not only receives competitive pricing but also quality work from contractors with proven track records.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr, Vice Chair of the Public Works & Transportation Committee and co-author of the bill, said, “This legislation gives Westchester the power to look beyond ‘lowest cost’ when awarding contracts. Quality workmanship, efficient operation, safety, and timely completion of projects are not necessarily assured by awarding a contract based solely on price.”
Legislator Erika L. Pierce, Chair of the Public Works & Transportation Committee and co-author, said, “Westchester is required to award contracts, in most cases, to the lowest ‘responsible’ bidder. How we as a County define ‘responsible’ is the focus of this important good governance legislation. This legislation helps set up a structured system for identifying when a bidder might be deemed non-responsible.”
The law also includes a formal appeal process for bidders deemed non-responsible, allowing them to contest the decision. The signing ceremony, attended by Deputy County Executive Richard Wishny, Commissioner of Public Works and Transportation Hugh Grecian, and legislators Barr, Pierce, and David Imamura, was streamed on YouTube, garnering 77 views and three likes as of April 16, 2025.
The full news conference is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRZcs0bp6gU.