Legislative Hearing – Ordinance 26-004 Repealing and Replacing Chapter 2, Article VI (Purchasing) of the Code of Ordinances and Creating a New Procurement Code. FIRST READING

The City's current purchasing ordinance was originally adopted in 1983 and has only undergone limited revisions since that time. The proposed ordinance repeals the existing purchasing provisions and establishes a modern Procurement Code designed to align City procurement practices with current Florida law, public procurement standards, technological advancements, and operational best practices.
The proposed Procurement Code updates procurement thresholds and procedures, establishes procurement categories, clarifies procurement authority and responsibilities, enhances ethical and public records requirements, modernizes solicitation and contract administration processes, provides procedures for cooperative purchasing, piggybacking, emergency procurement, sole source procurements, protests, suspensions, and debarments, and incorporates current statutory requirements applicable to local government procurement activities.
The proposed ordinance is intended to improve efficiency, transparency, accountability, and consistency in the City's procurement process while ensuring compliance with applicable state laws and protecting the interests of the City, its taxpayers, and the vendor community.

Staff recommends approval of proposed Ordinance 26-004 repealing and replacing Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances and establishing a new Procurement Code for the City of Fort Pierce.

1. Approve the proposed ordinance as presented.
2. Approve the proposed ordinance with modifications.
3. Do not approve the proposed ordinance.

Gelencia Carter, Purchasing Manager

Richard Chess, City Manager
Linda Cox, City Clerk
Sara Hedges, City Attorney
DeVoshay Johnson Deputy City Manager
Camille Wallace Deputy City Manager
Johnna Morris, Finance Director