Council tables amendment to competitive‑negotiation rules after members seek ability to add council representation

Northampton County Council held a public hearing on Aug. 21 on an ordinance titled an ordinance amending Northampton County administrative code article 13, section 13.09 (competitive negotiations). The ordinance had been introduced on Aug. 7; council members debated whether to modify the language to allow more council representation on procurement review panels before final action.

Council member referenced concerns that the ordinance’s current dollar thresholds and selection language limit council involvement in meaningful procurements. “I think the way the ordinance is written is a good boilerplate, but I would like something to at least give us the discretion to be heard,” one member said, proposing that up to three council members be permitted to participate in procurement vetting for significant contracts.

Several council members said they supported the idea of up to three representatives, but some expressed unease with selection language that would have the council president annually appoint a fixed set of members. “We all have different interests and there’ll be some that you would be interested and others you may not,” one member said, calling the annual selection language “awkward.”

After discussion, Council member Gofredo moved to table the ordinance so the language can be revised and returned; a second was recorded and the motion carried on a roll call vote. The ordinance will be revised and brought back at a later meeting for further consideration and a possible vote.

The hearing produced no public testimony; debate remained between council members about whether the ordinance should use dollar thresholds for participation or simply allow up to three council members to participate in competitive negotiations when the council deems representation appropriate.