The City Manager shall purchase all things required by the City and shall execute and deliver all contracts for the City except contracts for annual audits which shall be executed by the Mayor and except fiduciaries for public utility services. Purchases may be made simultaneously with purchases by other governmental bodies and in cooperation with their officers.
Council, by ordinance, shall establish a threshold amount, notice provisions, and other procedures for competitive bidding. When any contract for the construction of a public improvement or the purchase of equipment, supplies, or materials is estimated to exceed the threshold amount established by Council, the contract shall be competitively bid. Council shall award a contract to the lowest and best bidder, provided Council may reject any and all bids in whole or by items. No contract shall be divided to avoid the requirements of competitive bidding.
Waiver. By vote of not less than five (5) members, Council may waive the competitive bidding requirement if the statutory or common law of the State of Ohio does not require competitive bidding; if Council determines that an item is available and can be acquired only from a single source; or if Council determines that a waiver of the competitive bidding requirement is in the best interest of the City
Emergency. In the event of an emergency, the City Manager may enter into contract for the construction of a public improvement or the purchase of equipment, supplies, or materials that is estimated to exceed the threshold amount established by Council without competitive bidding. In such case, the City Manager shall report the facts to Council at its next meeting.
Professional services. Contracts for professional services shall not be subject to competitive bidding requirements of this Section and shall not require the authorization of Council if the current operating budget provides sufficient funding for the scope of services in any such contract.
(Amended 11-8-16.)
(Amended 11-8-16.)