Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council corrects section number, holds first reading of small‑purchase policy ordinance
Summary
Lebanon City Council amended a scrivener's error in proposed ordinance 2025-05 and completed its first reading of a small‑purchase policy that would replace section 30.06 of the city code; final adoption will return to the council on Feb. 10.
The Lebanon City Council amended a scrivener's error to ordinance 2025-05 on Jan. 27 and read the ordinance on first reading, advancing consideration of a new small‑purchase policy for the city.
The ordinance, introduced by staff, would delete and replace Title 3, Chapter 30, Section 30.06 of the Lebanon code to adopt a small‑purchase policy intended to streamline procurement for purchases that do not exceed thresholds set by Indiana law. The council voted to correct references in the draft from “30.08” to “30.06” so the ordinance amends and replaces the existing section rather than creating a separate section.
Rob (staff member) read highlights of the draft ordinance, saying the Board of Public Works would remain the city’s designated purchasing agent and that the ordinance establishes definitions, applicability, small‑purchase procedures, purchasing limitations and reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The ordinance language also includes exceptions and a process for waivers, and states the policy would be effective upon its passage in accordance with Indiana law.
Kevin (staff member) noted the ordinance is intended to “amend and replace certain provisions of 30.06 to establish a small purchase policy” and referenced Indiana Code 5‑22‑8 as the statutory basis for small‑purchase procedures for political subdivisions. Council discussion focused on correcting the section number and on how the policy would function in practice. Staff said the city already reports purchases to the Board of Works and that the major change would be maintaining a running log of all purchases and delivering an annual, written year‑end report to council.
Councilmembers moved and seconded an amendment to correct the section reference; the amendment was approved and the ordinance was read on first reading. No final vote on adoption was taken. Rob said the council will take up final consideration of ordinance 2025‑05 at its next meeting on Feb. 10.
Why it matters: the draft policy formalizes procedures already used by the city, clarifies procurement thresholds and recordkeeping, and would require annual reporting to the council. The ordinance does not appropriate new funds or change departmental budgets; staff emphasized it governs procurement process rather than authorizing spending.
What’s next: ordinance 2025‑05 will return to the council for further consideration and a final vote on Feb. 10.
