§ 2-257. Purchasing agent.

(a)

Position established. There is hereby established the position of purchasing agent, who shall be the supervisor of the purchasing division and perform all duties required by law and such other duties as assigned by the finance director, and shall have the authority and duties prescribed by this article.

(b)

Purchasing authority. The purchasing agent shall have the authority, and it shall be his duty, to execute the duties herein specified in connection with the purchase contract for all supplies and contractual services needed by any department or agency of the city when duly authorized, in accordance with purchasing procedures as prescribed in this article, and such rules and regulations as may be adopted for the internal management and operation of the purchasing division, and such other rules and regulations as shall be prescribed by the city manager.

(c)

Public improvement contracts. The awarding of contracts involving public construction and improvements are not under the jurisdiction of the purchasing division. All such contracts must be authorized by the city council.

(d)

Unauthorized purchases. Except as herein provided it shall be prohibited for any city employee or other person to order the purchase of contractual services, or any materials or supplies within the purview of this article other than through the purchasing division, and the city shall not be bound by any purchase or contract made contrary to the provisions herein.

(e)

Other duties and obligations. In addition to any other duties conferred by this article, the purchasing agent shall:

(1)

Act to procure for the city the highest quality in supplies and contractual services at the least expense to the city from qualified and responsible suppliers.

(2)

Endeavor to obtain as full and open competition as possible on all purchases and sales.

(3)

Keep informed of current developments in the field of purchasing, prices, market conditions and new products, and secure for the city the benefits of research conducted in the field of purchasing by other governmental jurisdictions, national technical societies, trade associations having national recognition, and by private businesses or organizations.

(4)

Prescribe and maintain a standard purchasing manual for all using departments.

(5)

Prescribe and maintain such forms as he shall find reasonably necessary to the operation of this article.

(6)

Explore the possibilities of buying in "bulk" so as to take full advantage of discounts.

(7)

Act so as to procure for the city all tax exemptions to which it is entitled.

(Code 1981, § 8-21)