Council codifies city manager signing authority, updates office‑hours rule

The Shelton City Council adopted an ordinance that revises chapter 2 of the municipal code to repeal an outdated department‑description chapter, add a codified delegation of signing authority to the city manager for purchases under $50,000, and transfer authority to set Civic Center office hours to the city manager.

Staff member Mark Ziegler explained the proposal includes three changes: repeal of Chapter 2.06 as redundant, a new section authorizing the city manager to sign contracts and purchase orders under $50,000 to increase operational efficiency, and a provision allowing the city manager to determine office operating hours, with the council to be consulted for significant changes. "The proposal is to bring forward a delegated signing authority within the municipal code... less than $50,000 49,999 would get city manager signing authority," Ziegler said.

Councilmembers discussed transparency and the need to brief the council on significant purchases; Ziegler said items could be added to the consent or action agendas at staff discretion when appropriate. The council voted to adopt ordinance 2031-0725 and also repealed an earlier resolution that set a $30,000 threshold, replacing it with the new code provision.

The changes take effect under the standard ordinance schedule; staff said larger procurements above the $50,000 threshold will continue to come to council and that budget approvals remain a council prerogative.