Mount Clemens directs staff to draft local-preference purchasing policy with 2% Macomb/5% city preference

On June 15 the City Commission directed administration and the city attorney to draft a local-preference purchasing policy that would allow local vendors to match the lowest bid within a small percentage. The amended directive adopted by the commission specifies a 2% preference for vendors within Macomb County and a 5% preference for vendors located in Mount Clemens.

City Manager Don Johnson summarized research showing local-preference policies tend to increase procurement costs but can benefit the local economy by encouraging local suppliers to compete. He noted charter and city-code limits require the city to pay the amount of the lowest bid; the attorney's draft therefore limits local preference to a bidder matching the low bid within a defined percentage rather than paying full bid amounts above the low bidder.

Commissioner Menser moved to direct drafting of the policy; the motion was amended on the floor to specify the 2%/5% split and carried on roll call. Commissioners debated appropriate percentages: some argued for a 5% cap while others preferred the lower 2% countywide figure to protect competitiveness. Supporters said the approach balances local economic support with price competition.

Administrators will return with a complete draft for final approval, including precise definitions of "local" and the detailed process for matching bids. The motion does not implement policy immediately; it authorizes staff and the city attorney to prepare final language for a future vote.