The Council may authorize expenditures of the funds of the Municipality in amounts exceeding twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00), or in such higher amount as may be authorized by general law, without public bidding for the acquisition of real estate, for the discharge of non-contractual claims against the Municipality, for professional services, for the joint use of facilities or exercise of powers with other political subdivisions or governmental bodies, for the product or services of public utilities (including those municipally operated), or in the case of a real and present emergency affecting the public peace, health, safety and welfare, but no other expenditures of more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) shall be made except pursuant to contract made with the lowest and best bidder after public advertising and receipt of bids in the manner provided by ordinance.