Fiscal Note
This amendment increases the dollar threshold for when competitive selection is required to make a service contract. The threshold would increase from $50,000 to $75,000 in total contract price. This policy change was recommended in the 2025 Adopted Budget. The change does not have a direct fiscal impact but is expected to create operational efficiencies that will save staff time.
Title
Amending Section 4.26, City Purchasing, of the Madison General Ordinances to increase the threshold requiring competitive selection of service contracts from $50,000 to $75,000 and make other clarifications.
Body
DRAFTER’S ANALYSIS: This amendment increases the dollar threshold for when competitive selection is required to make a service contract, from $50,000 to $75,000 in total contract price, as recommended in the 2025 adopted operating budget, and likewise increases the threshold for emergency service contracts to $75,000. This amendment authorizes the Finance Director to sign contract extensions for up to 6 months if there is no increase in cost to the contract, eliminating the need for a resolution in those situations. The amendment also adds an exception to competitive selection requirements for professionals such as expert witnesses working under the direction of an attorney on a specific case or incident. Finally, the amendment makes clarifications for improved readability.
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The Common Council of the City of Madison do hereby ordain as follows:
1. Section 4.26 entitled “City Purchasing” of the Madison General Ordinances is amended as follows:
“4.26 CITY PURCHASING.
(1) Council Authorization. This ordinance authorizes the Finance Director, City Attorney, or and the Mayor and City Clerk, to enter into contracts on behalf of the City of Madison if the contracts meet the criteria of this ordinance. Contracts that do not meet the criteria set forth in this ordinance, and...
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