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Knoxville City Manager Aaron Adams says the new change in local bidder preference is important part of striking a balance between supporting local business and responsibly allocating taxpayer money.

He says business is a important force in our community, supporting charities and schools. Previously, local businesses would receive a bid if they were within 5% of the total cost of a city purchase over the low bid to a max of $1,500 over. After discussing the importance of supporting local businesses and the responsibility of managing taxpayer money the council voted to remove the $ 1,500 cap. Adams admits there are some risks to the new policy as expensive purchases could lead to the city paying significant amounts to local bidders, but he says there are few city purchases of high dollar amounts that have local sources.