Bloomington's process for buying new property might see changes if the city council approves. (WJBC file photo)
By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington's city council will vote Monday night on changes to how the city purchases new property.
City manager David Hales said it's been a long time since Bloomington updated its procurement ordinance.
"It was probably drafted decades ago," said Hales. "It hasn't kept pace with the changes in society (or) the changes in procurement practices."
One recommendation is to raise the minimum limit needed for a formal bid process from $10,000 to $25,000.
"Typically when you go out for a very formal process of saying, here's what we want to buy, we've prepared the bid proposal, we seek written bids, we have deadlines, meetings with the bid vendors prior to the bid," said Hales. "We're recommending that formal bid process be implemented for procurement $25,000 and above."
Hales said another recommendation is to adopt a comprehensive line item budget for operating and capital expenditures each year.
"Which means that each year when the council adopts the budget, things will be clearly stated," said Hales. "What we'll be buying; the services, the products, the commodeties."
Hales explained the proposed changes will ensure who has the legal authority to execute certain purchases, will provide uniform policies throughout the organization, and will aim to build public confidence in public purchasing.
"We're trying to achieve a higher level of accountability on construction projects; helping make sure that we avoid some of the issues we've had in the past where maybe somtimes the bid specifications have been abiguous," Hales said.
Also on Monday, Mayor Tari Renner will give his annual State of the City address.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
