The Alachua County Commission has not reached a conclusion about whether to give preference to local businesses when it considers a bid for construction or other county projects.
If approved, the local vendor preference would give local businesses the upper-hand in the bidding process.
However, after a meeting Tuesday night about the subject, commissioners were confused about what "local" really means.
Commissioner Susan Baird recommended a two-year test program to see if the program would benefit the county economically.
Supporters of adding the preference said it will encourage local business and keep money circulating in the county. Opponents of the preference said only a few vendors will benefit at taxpayers' expenses.
The commission referred the item to county staff for review.
