Atlantic Beach council approves first reading of procurement ordinance, asks manager for comparable spending figures

Atlantic Beach Town Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 18-2025 on Nov. 18, a measure to establish the town’s purchasing and procurement procedures intended to align municipal practice with state and federal requirements.

Town Manager Adrian Jones told the council the ordinance provides guidance on purchasing authority, delegation, documentation, and thresholds. Jones said he left dollar amounts out of the draft because "that's a legislative thing" and council, as the legislative body, must set the specific spending limits.

Council debated whether to table the ordinance because multiple line items in the draft still showed blank dollar amounts. Mayor Pro Tem John David urged caution and asked for comparable figures; Councilwoman Carla Taylor argued the ordinance is a necessary compliance step and that staff can supply numbers before second reading.

Councilwoman Taylor moved to approve the first reading with the understanding that the town manager will provide numbers from comparable municipalities and an updated draft for second reading on Dec. 8; Councilman Edward Campbell seconded. The motion passed 2-1, with John David recording a 'No.'

The manager agreed to gather sample spending thresholds and to provide the updated ordinance for the council’s December meeting so members can set the numerical limits and finalize the purchasing policy.