No expenditure of more than the amount consistent with the general laws of the State of Ohio shall be made except pursuant to contract authorized by Council and made with the lowest and best bidder after public advertising and receipt of bids in the manner provided by ordinance. Provided, however, the Council may authorize expenditure of funds of the City in amounts exceeding the limitations consistent with the general laws of the State of Ohio without public bidding for the acquisition of real estate, for personal services, for the joint use of facilities or exercise of powers with other political subdivisions, for the product or services of public utilities (including those municipally or privately operated), or in the event of an emergency or catastrophe for the necessary repairs, including labor and material and for the purchase and/or lease of supplies, material, equipment or replacement equipment to eliminate and correct damages caused by said emergency or catastrophe.
(Amended 11-4-08.)