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Cheektowaga council debates new procurement rules, investment policy changes; department heads raise concerns
Summary
The Cheektowaga Town Board discussed proposed changes to procurement rules that would lower department‑level approval thresholds and add committee‑chair sign‑offs for midrange purchases; the board also reviewed options for investing town cash with New York CLASS.
The Cheektowaga Town Board discussed proposed changes to the town’s procurement policies and the town’s investment approach during the meeting. Council members said they want stronger controls on spending; department heads warned tighter thresholds and an added approval layer could impede routine purchases and operations.
On procurement, the draft policy (derived from New York State purchasing guidance, as presented to the board) would require department heads to obtain written quotes and committee‑chair approval for purchases in midrange dollar bands and would lower the amounts that department heads can approve on their own. One council member warned the proposal could give committee chairs—selected by the supervisor—an effective veto over routine purchases and argued that “we’re kind of giving two board members... minority power to pretty much shut down a variety of spending in this new third area.”
Department heads said the change might add administrative delay and extra work for small purchases that now cost more than in past years because of inflation. A department head who identified themself as having been in a department head role for 17 years said the draft policy “makes our work harder” and described scenarios—such as catering for a senior‑center event—where final cost depends on variables and timing.
Town Attorney Tom Fowler advised that open‑meetings law does not distinguish between a “work session” and a “regular meeting,” and that the board may take formal action in either forum so long as agendas and waivers are handled appropriately. The board discussed alternatives, including notifying the whole board or obtaining two board approvals rather than relying solely on committee chairs.
On investment policy, the town’s finance staff reported they plan to use New York CLASS (referred to on the agenda as a successor to the MBA/Class vehicle) to consolidate some cash balances because it currently offers the most competitive rates. Officials emphasized liquidity needs—payroll and capital‑timing considerations—and said the town aims to distribute cash across multiple institutions to manage FDIC limits and timing of major outflows.
Why it matters: Changes to procurement rules affect how quickly departments can spend already‑budgeted money and how the town enforces purchasing checks; investment choices affect the returns on town cash and the safety/liquidity of public funds.
Discussion vs. decision: The board discussed and debated the draft procurement policy at length; several members recommended tabling the policy for further work with department heads and to compare peer municipalities before adopting it. No final vote to adopt the procurement changes was recorded in the transcript. On the investment policy, staff recommended using New York CLASS to maximize yield while preserving liquidity; the board indicated support for further consideration and moving the item to the agenda for possible action.
Ending: Board members asked for additional review and consultation with department heads and recommended bringing a revised procurement policy back to a future meeting. Finance staff will continue to explore timing and distribution of funds among accounts and pools such as New York CLASS.
