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Marshfield council adopts new procurement policy with six-month review
Summary
The council approved a revised procurement policy (FB26-018) that sets quote/threshold requirements and approval layers; Alderman Tompkins moved to approve the policy with a six-month review, and the motion passed after members raised concerns about efficiency and potential delays.
The Marshfield Common Council voted March 10 to adopt a new procurement policy intended to clarify thresholds, required quotes or requests for proposals, and approval signatures for purchases.
Alderman Tompkins, who initiated the motion, said the policy should be approved but paired with a review timeline to ensure it does not create unnecessary delay. "Can I make a motion to approve this policy with a review in 6 months?" Tompkins asked. The motion was seconded and carried after discussion.
Council debate focused on whether the policy's layers of approval — signatures from department heads, the finance director, city administrator and possibly board review for larger amounts — would slow routine purchases such as seasonal supplies. Council members also flagged the policy's anti-evasion language that prohibits intentionally staggering purchases to avoid thresholds.
City staff and the city attorney said the policy does not create legal violations but will require management interpretation for edge cases (for example, whether a subsequent purchase in the same season requires new quotes). Several aldermen asked that department heads be consulted about practical impacts. The council settled on a procedural step: adopt the policy and revisit implementation results in six months, with an earlier check-in possible around September.
The motion to approve the procurement policy with a six-month review passed by voice vote.
