Township board updates purchasing policy

By Lisa Brody

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, March 8, updated their purchasing policy to mandate approval of orders over $1,500.

Supervisor Dani Walsh explained they were putting into writing what has been operational in purchasing, as it would help them with grant writing.

Finance director Jason Theis said the township's purchasing policy had not been updated since 2005. “Over the years, we've talked about updating it, and we've finally gotten it done,” he said, noting the last few years they average 700 purchase orders a year.

The policy spells out that for purchases of less than $1,500, a purchase order is not required. “Purchases in this dollar amount are made by the department head or their designee. Vendor selection and pricing should be reviewed annually for adequate and reasonable competition,” the policy states.

For purchases between $1,500 and $3,500, a purchase order is required by the department head with final approval by the township supervisor. The policy states that a minimum of three quotes for goods and services must be requested. The vendor’s price quote may be verbal, written, or electronic.

For purchase between $3,500 and $35,000, purchases or contracts must be by competition and there must be three competitive bids in writing.

For purchases above $35,000, a formal competition is required, with final approval by the board of trustees.

The supervisor was granted emergency purchasing power.

Trustees approved the new policy, 7-0.