Each department head is permitted to spend on any one item up to $500 in the routine operation of its department. This is intended to be a per project basis and the department head shall not divide up a project into small chunks to avoid the $500 rule. A department head may spend an additional $500 if the purchase of an item or the hiring of a service exceeds the original $500 limit only upon the written approval of the President. Each department head is authorized in an emergency situation to expend up to $5,000 without Board approval. In each emergency situation where the sum to be spent is likely to exceed $1,000 the department head shall call a special meeting of the Board so that input for a decision can be made by the Board at large. Whether in an emergency or non-emergency situation Board members are required to make every effort to obtain at least two different price quotes for any item they desire to purchase which exceeds $500.
(1975 Code, § 1-105)