DIDSBURY – Town councillors are scheduled to consider an updated procurement of goods and services policy at this week’s council meeting.
The proposed updated policy was reviewed by council at a recent policies and priorities meeting, with administration instructed to bring the document before council on July 23.
The proposed policy statement reads, in part: “The town’s procurement policy helps protect the interests of taxpayers, the town and the people participating in procurement processes by providing a consistent framework and clear, consistent direction for procurement at the town.
“The policy identifies procurement authorities, roles and responsibilities, and reinforces the best practice principles of open, fair and transparent procurement in alignment with legislated requirements.”
The updated policy states, in part, that the municipality “will conduct all purchases in a manner that results in the acquisition of quality goods and services delivering the best value to the town” and “purchases shall be made at the lowest cost available, consistent with the required quality and service. Local contractors that meet such criteria shall have equal access to opportunities with the town.”
“If a purchase or contract for goods or services is to be placed with an employee of the town, any company in which an employee of the town has an interest, or a relative of an employee of the town, the employee shall declare an interest and that employee shall not be placed in a position to approve the purchase or execute the contract.”
As well, town personnel must “not solicit, or accept gifts, gratuities or favours from suppliers or potential suppliers other than promotional items of nominal value.
“All department managers are responsible to ensure that budget funds are available for any expenditure commitments made by them or their staff. They are also responsible for ensuring staff members with delegated purchasing authority have a complete understanding of the purchasing process and receive training on the completion and processing of the necessary commitment and purchasing documents.”
The complete proposed updated policy is available for viewing on the town’s website.
