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Milton council approves sole-source authorization for 15 kV underground cable up to $100,000
Summary
Council approved a sole-source purchase authorization (up to $100,000) to continue buying Okonite 15 kV underground primary distribution cable; staff said the product's patented insulation and system compatibility make it the preferred, effectively single-source option.
Milton’s council on Jan. 5, 2026, approved a request to authorize a sole-source purchase for 15 kV underground primary distribution cable from Okonite, with an authorization not to exceed $100,000.
Public Works Director Madden explained the request: the cable in question has a patented insulation property and is part of the Okonite family, which staff described as the only vendor that supplies the required product. Madden said the prior sole-source authorization (brought to the council in January 2022) covered about $100,000 and enabled purchases of larger spools that yield economies of scale. "If we do not have a sole source approval, we will just have to make smaller purchases, multiple freight charges, and it will just increase the cost," Madden said.
Councilmember Cedar moved to approve the sole-source purchase authorization not to exceed $100,000; Councilmember Whelan seconded and the motion passed (vote recorded 6–0). Cedar asked for transparency about how the proprietary supplier situation arose; Madden and other council members said the product has been used successfully and fits the city’s system.
What this does and does not do: The authorization allows the city to continue purchasing Okonite 15 kV underground cable under a sole-source arrangement up to the approved amount. It does not itself obligate the full $100,000; actual purchases will be made as needs arise and per procurement and budget procedures.
