ARTICLE XIII SECTION 2(b) Contracts on Public Works.

Except as hereinafter provided, every contract involving an expenditure of more than Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) or in a lesser amount as may be established by ordinance for the construction or improvement of public buildings, works, streets, drains, sewers, utilities, parks and playgrounds shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder after notice by publication in the official newspaper by one or more insertions, the first of which shall be at least ten (10) days before the time for opening bids.

The Council may reject any and all bids presented and may readvertise in its discretion. The Council, without advertising for bids, or after rejecting bids, or if no bids are received, may declare and determine that, in its opinion, the work in question may be performed better or more economically by the city with its own employees and after the adoption of a resolution to this effect by at least four (4) affirmative votes it may proceed to have said work done in the manner stated, without further observance of the provisions of this subsection. Such contracts likewise may be let without advertising for bids, if such work shall be deemed by the Council to be of urgent necessity for the preservation of life, health or property, and shall be authorized by motion passed by at least four (4) affirmative votes and containing a declaration of the facts constituting such urgency. And provided further, that the respective city departments shall do the ordinary work in making repairs and maintenance with its regular city employees without calling for bids for the doing of said work or the purchase of supplies, material or equipment but the doing of said work shall be subject to the provisions of this charter on purchase of materials, supplies and equipment.

Competitive Bidding: All purchases or contracts for supplies, materials or equipment involving an expenditure of more than Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) or in a lesser amount as may be established by ordinance shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder after notice by publication in the official newspaper by one or more insertions, the first of which shall be at least ten (10) days before the time for opening bids; provided, however, the Council, without advertising for bids or after rejecting bids or if no bids are received, may declare and determine that in its opinion the supplies, materials or equipment may be purchased more economically by the city and after the adoption of a resolution to this effect by at least four (4) affirmative votes it may proceed to purchase such supplies, materials or equipment without further observance of the provisions by passage of a resolution, authorizing same by four (4) affirmative votes it may proceed to purchase such supplies, materials or equipment without further observance of the provisions of this subsection. The council may by passage of a resolution, authorizing same by four (4) affirmative votes of the members thereof, authorize the purchase of supplies, materials or equipment without advertising for bids if such purchase shall be deemed by the council to be of urgent necessity for the preservation of life, health or property.