TITLE
The Mayor and Council shall hear a presentation on proposed changes to City Code, Chapter 3 - Administration. Discussion and Direction.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
One of the first tasks given to City Manager Horst was to evaluate the effectiveness of our current centralized purchasing system. The current system had proven to be a frustration to department directors whose projects and/or supply needs are being delayed. We have experienced lost productivity as personnel have waited for needed supplies, equipment or select services. A centralized purchasing process adds a layer of bureaucracy to every transaction and removes decision autonomy from Department Directors who are charged, not only with the provision of public services, but with accountability in how public funds are used.
Supply chain issues, such as lagging processing and delivering times occur when a purchasing department makes strategic buying decisions when ultimately it is the department director who should be able to direct purchasing decisions as the subject expert in the services they are tasked to provide.
The proposal before you today is a result of this evaluation. A user committee was formed and all departments took part in a team approach to seeking a more effective and efficient decentralized purchasing system. It continues all requires checks and balances as set forth by law and best practice provisions. Under a decentralized purchasing program, supplies are purchased by each department on demand to meet immediate and long-term needs. Department Directors are in the best position to understand the needs of the department. Under a decentralized purchasing program, order processing is fast and easy. If a need arises, it can be sourced and filled more timely. Replacements that are defective or damages can be initiated immediately without routing it through a centralized process.
The proposed changes to City Code, Chapter 3 - Administration are primarily in the following s...
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