Cascade Township board approves local purchasing preference policy

Cascade Charter Township’s board approved a local purchasing preference policy intended to encourage township departments to buy from local vendors.

Manager Smith and finance staff described the policy as a non-binding preference that gives a stronger factor to businesses located within the township and a smaller factor to firms based in Kent County. The policy does not remove competitive bidding requirements; staff said registered local vendors still must be responsive and responsible bidders and remain in good standing with the township to be considered for awards.

Lorna (finance staff) explained the policy’s two circles of preference — township and Kent County — and said the policy will be managed by the finance department (accounts payable), which already oversees vendor payments and maintains checks and balances in awarding work. Staff also said a vendor registration form is ready for posting to the township website and that marketing to local businesses would begin upon board approval.

Trustee Shipley moved to approve the purchasing preference policy as presented; the motion was seconded and the board approved the policy by voice vote.

Staff said the policy is expressly designed as an incentive and comparison tool, not an automatic bid reduction; when a local business bids higher than a nonlocal bidder, the policy supplies a formula for comparison, but the township must still require responsiveness and adherence to procurement rules. Finance will maintain the vendor registry and implement the policy in upcoming bid opportunities.