Pueblo West board presses staff for clearer procurement policy changes and earlier meeting packets
Summary
Board members told staff they want procurement changes and a midyear budget report presented with more detail and asked to receive agenda packets earlier so they can review items thoroughly.
Board members used the work session to press staff for specifics on procurement, capital budgeting and packet timing. One member said the board previously discussed changes to bidding and procurement procedures and asked whether the individual changes would be itemized for board approval; staff replied the requested changes will be codified in an updated procurement policy and returned to the board for approval.
Staff said earlier discussions included adding estimated prices to bid materials and increasing financial transparency in the budget book (for example, showing general pie-chart budget categories instead of line-item project pricing if the board prefers less public detail). The board was told that procurement staff are preparing policy language and that staff will walk board members through the procurement process changes to ensure fidelity on what needs to be altered.
On budgeting, staff said the district is slightly ahead of the midyear spending pace—about 57% of the year’s budget after six months—and anticipates a midyear budget amendment for larger projects or reserve adjustments. The board asked for a midyear report and strategic-plan update at the next work session so members can see project schedules and capital-expenditure status before formal budget adoption.
Several board members raised concerns about packet timing and preparation. One member said receiving the packet on Wednesday gives only Thursday to review; another asked that staff try to provide materials a week in advance or at least portions of the packet as they are finalized. Staff explained the current scheduling pressures and said they plan a survey and public engagement on meeting cadence after the summer; in the meantime staff will try to provide earlier access and move toward giving the board additional time to review materials.
