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Peekskill proposes replacing procurement code to allow "best value" criteria; some residents worry about oversight
Summary
City staff proposed a local law to repeal Chapter 106 and create Chapter 10 to allow procurement based on "best value" (factors beyond lowest price). Residents worried the change could dilute council oversight; staff said contracts would still be brought to council and procurement/contracting are distinct.
The Common Council opened a public hearing on a proposed local law that would repeal Chapter 106 of the Peekskill City Code and create Chapter 10 to permit "best value" procurement criteria beyond price alone. City staff said the change would let the city evaluate attributes such as delivery time and quality when awarding contracts rather than selecting solely the lowest bidder.
"1 0 6 was very detailed as far as what responsibilities and my biggest concern is I understand best value...is this going to be removed?" Elena Walker Malaguey said during public comment. Staff replied that "all signed contracts will be brought back to the council just like we do now" and emphasized the change applies to procurement criteria while contracting authority and council approvals remain in place.
Supporters of best-value procurement told the council the approach can avoid awarding contracts to low-priced but poorly performing firms; critics warned it could invite favoritism if evaluation criteria are not transparent. The council closed the hearing after public comment and voted (voice vote) to carry forward the item as proposed for further consideration by the council and staff.
