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Ithaca council adopts updated purchasing policy after debate on delegation
Summary
Council adopted an updated purchasing policy with a discussion about whether the controller's office should be authorized to make annual manual changes without council approval; the amendment was withdrawn and the policy adopted unanimously pending further review of state guidance.
The Common Council reviewed and adopted an updated purchasing policy (item 7.2) after councilmembers debated whether to delegate routine policy adjustments to the controller's office.
Councilmember Sewell proposed language allowing the controller's office, in consultation with the city manager, to review and make future modifications to the purchasing policy without returning to council, subject to transmitting changes in writing. The mayor and several councilmembers expressed concern about delegating procurement authority without ensuring compliance with New York State Office of the Comptroller guidance and with recent state audits that highlighted financial-control weaknesses. The proposed amendment was withdrawn, and the updated purchasing policy was adopted unanimously. Council asked the controller to evaluate any proposed delegation against state comptroller recommendations and to return with flexible options if appropriate.
Councilmembers stressed the need to balance efficiency with fiscal controls; the controller noted plans for annual manual review and work to identify areas for improvement.
