PORTAGE (WKZO-AM) — The Mayor of Portage has asked for a review of the city’s bidding process after a couple of sizable no-bid contracts appeared on last night’s agenda.
A quarter-million dollar contract to revamp the city’s security systems and a separate contract to over-haul the city’s websites both were presented with only one vendor considered.
Staff explained that it was convenient to work with vendors they have worked with in the past and who were familiar with their systems.
Council Member Claudette Reid complained that either job could have been done by any number of contractors, and perhaps at less expense. But she says there is no way they could review it because they don’t have the information. In fact other vendors were never asked.
Council Member Terry Urban says they have been presented with no bid contracts a number of times before and they have complained but no changes have been made.
Manager Laurence Shaffer claimed they were “professional services” and not necessarily subject to bidding under city policy.
Mayor Peter Strazdas says he wants to review that definition and talk about revisions to their purchasing policies at their next Council retreat.
