There is a longtime rule for local governments to award contracts to the lowest bidder, and now Oakland is being accused of violating that rule.

An Alameda County grand jury has released a scathing report criticizing the Oakland City Council over the way it awards contracts. 

The report says the city ended up approving a contract for billboards with a non-profit group even though Clear Channel Outdoor had submitted a bid that would have been more beneficial to the city.