Sec. 17. (a) This section applies to purchases of supplies used for the maintenance and subsistence of persons confined to, living in, or treated at county institutions.
(b) Supplies shall be contracted for and shall be purchased by the business manager or purchasing agent of each county institution.
(c) The executive shall make contracts for:
(1) meats;
(2) groceries;
(3) dry goods;
(4) fuel; and
(5) furniture and equipment;
at stated prices, leaving the quantity to vary with the needs of the county.