No contract involving the expenditure of money or purchase order shall be made unless there is attached thereto the certificate of the Manager that the amount required to meet the obligation has been appropriated for such purpose and is available or in the process of collection. Notwithstanding the above provision, however, provisions of law regarding appropriations and availability of funds shall govern as to contracts running beyond the fiscal year in which they are made and contracts paid in whole or in part by special assessment for improvements.
Competitive bidding shall not be required for contracts for professional or expert personal services or for expenditures required because of a real or present emergency or for contracts with or purchases from other governmental units or for purchases made through the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Agreement or for purchases or contracts where the expenditure does not exceed $40,000.
Where competitive bidding is required, no purchase or contract shall be made except after one advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the City at least ten days prior to the final day for receipt of sealed bids to be received and opened by the Manager or his designee at a time and place stated in the advertisement. Council shall authorize acceptance of the bid made by the most responsive bidder who in Council’s judgment offers the best and most responsive proposal to the City considering quality, service, price, reputation and past performances of the bidder, his financial condition and any other pertinent information; or Council may direct the rejection of all bids.
When an expenditure exceeds $7500, such expenditure shall first be authorized and directed by ordinance.
Modifications to contracts and purchase orders which exceed $7500 may be authorized by ordinance without further advertising or bidding. Modifications to contracts and purchase orders which do not exceed $7500 shall not require further advertising, bidding or Council action.
Council may authorize by ordinance for the purchase or sale of or trade for real estate without the necessity of competitive bidding.
Notwithstanding any provision of general law, contracts and vendors shall not be entitled to receive interest on funds temporarily retained on a contract pending final acceptance of work performed or goods supplied, nor shall the city be required to maintain a separate escrow account from which to pay any contractor or vendor.
The Council and various City officers and officials shall not be bound to make public any cost estimates prior to receiving bids on public improvements. (Amended 11-2-99)