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Selectmen adopt municipal purchasing policy after auditor finding
Summary
Winchester selectmen unanimously approved a new municipal purchasing policy the board said responds to an audit finding and standardizes vendor checks, buying thresholds and federal grant vendor screening (sam.gov).
The Winchester Board of Selectmen unanimously adopted a municipal purchasing policy designed to address an audit finding that the town lacked a formal purchasing policy.
Town Manager Paul Harrington and Finance Director Anne Marie presented the draft policy, which includes thresholds for competitive solicitations, requirements to check federal exclusion/debarment lists for vendors on federally funded projects, and guidance on certificates of insurance for vendors who perform work on town property. Harrington said the draft was adapted from a model policy produced by a Connecticut law firm and updated to fit Winchester’s charter and spending thresholds.
Selectmen questioned specific sections: one member noted language allowing the town to adapt another municipality’s solicitation as a starting point; Harrington explained that RFP language can be adapted to avoid reinventing standard procurement forms. The board also clarified applications to vehicle purchases and previously approved cruiser purchases under state bid lists.
After discussion the board voted to approve the purchasing policy unanimously. The finance director and town manager said the policy will be used immediately to support upcoming grant-funded procurements and to demonstrate compliance in future audits.
