(A) In certain situations, such as, but not limited to, during the declaration of an emergency, it may be necessary to make emergency purchases, which shortcut the preapprovals required for intermediate or major purchases, as outlined in this chapter.
(B) An emergency purchase may be made when there is an immediate need to acquire a particular good or service not already available to city staff.
(C) For purposes of this section, an emergency situation is one in which there is an immediate threat to life or property or in which there is or would be a complete disruption of a vital public service. The emergency must be of such a nature and severity that the department head would be immediately notified, regardless of time of day.
(D) An emergency purchase of up to $20,000 or less must be preapproved verbally by the appropriate department head.
(E) An emergency purchase over $20,000 must be preapproved verbally by the department head and either the City Manager or purchasing agent.
(F) After an emergency purchase, of any amount, has been made, a purchase order shall be requested from and prepared by the auditor's office on the next working day. Documentation signed by the department head should include a description of the emergency.
(G) In all cases, the City Manager shall be notified within 72 hours of any and all emergency purchases.
(Ord. 36-2022, passed 1-4-2023)