Coldwater BPU backs 5% local bidder preference in revised purchasing policy

Amanda presented a revised purchasing policy (P‑23‑01) that incorporates feedback from the board and city council and proposes a 5% local bidder preference with no dollar cap. "So it's still a cost savings to the city while giving preference to local communities and, companies that are within the Branch County area," Amanda told the board, and she said the policy narrows the definition of 'local vendor' to a principal place of business or the address registered with the State of Michigan to avoid short‑term local set‑ups.