(a) The Board of Control, in determining the lowest and best bidder in the award of contracts to which this section is applicable, is authorized to award contracts to local bidders as hereinafter defined, whose bid is not more than five percent (5%) higher, subject to a maximum amount of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00), than the lowest dollar bid submitted by non-local bidders. The Board of Control's decision in making such an award shall be final.
(b) For purposes of this section, "local bidder" means an individual or business entity which at the time of the award of the contract has a headquarters, division, sales office, sales outlet, manufacturing facility, or similar significant business-related location in Stark County, Ohio.
(c) All contract specifications and/or bid documents that are distributed by Canton for the purpose of soliciting bids for contracts to which this section is applicable shall contain the following notice:
Prospective bidders will take notice that the City of Canton, in determining the lowest and best bidder in the award of this contract, may award a local bidder preference to any qualified bidder pursuant to Section 105.12 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Canton. The determination of whether a bidder qualifies for the local preference shall be made by the Board of Control. The Board's decision shall be final. A copy of Section 105.12 is attached.
(d) This section shall be applicable to all contracts for equipment, goods, machinery, materials, supplies, vehicles and/or services, which are purchased, leased and/or constructed and which require bidding pursuant to Ohio R.C. 735.05 through 735.09 and Ohio R.C. 737.03.
(Ord. 137-2023. Passed 9-25-23.)