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Council hears first reading of small-purchase policy ordinance, amends section citation
Summary
Ordinance 2025-05 would replace an older purchasing ordinance with a small-purchase policy aligned to Indiana code; council amended a section number and scheduled further consideration Feb. 10.
Lebanon City Council on Jan. 27 held the first reading of Ordinance 2025-05, which would replace the city’s prior purchasing ordinance and establish a small-purchase policy aligned with Indiana procurement law.
City staff said the ordinance codifies procurement thresholds consistent with Indiana Code 5-22-10 and replaces a 1998 ordinance. Under the draft policy staff described: purchases below $25,000 may be direct purchases; purchases from $25,000 to $50,000 generally require two solicited quotes; $50,000 to $150,000 generally require three solicited quotes; and purchases above $150,000 require public bidding as required by state statute. The draft also adds annual reporting and record-keeping requirements for the designated purchasing agent.
Staff proposed the Board of Public Works remain the city’s purchasing agent or delegate that role to a designee to streamline requests. Council members discussed implementation details, exceptions for unique equipment and emergencies, and how the annual report would be prepared and delivered to council.
Council identified two clerical references in the distributed draft that used the ordinance section number "30.08" instead of the intended "30.06" and voted to amend the draft to correct the citation. Rob moved the amendment; the motion passed by voice vote. The ordinance remains on first reading; the council will take further action at its Feb. 10 meeting.
The ordinance does not appropriate funds; staff said any purchases still must be within department budgets and that the policy governs procurement process only.
