The Carroll City Council has approved a new purchasing policy that will favor local contractors and vendors when selecting bids. The council previously expressed interest in formalizing the city’s commitment to supporting local when prudent for taxpayers. City Manager Aaron Kooiker says he drafted updated language for council review using another Iowa community’s policy as a template.
Ward 4 Councilwoman Carolyn Siemann sought clarification from City Attorney Dave Bruner on some of the legal language used in the proposed policy amendment, specifically the difference between “businesses” and “private enterprises.” Bruner says they are functionally synonymous, but he wanted the language to align with the state code.
The policy was brought to the council’s attention earlier this year after several local contractors and vendors expressed their displeasure with the city on social media regarding the selection of an out-of-town company for a substantial roof replacement project. The low bid of $635,000 from Rigid Edge Exteriors from Anita won the contract. The next lowest bid was more than $77,000 higher and also came from an out-of-town contractor. The updated policy would not have applied in that case, as the project exceeded the $100,000 threshold.
