Sec.7.21 Bids for contracts; certified checks for bid bonds; performance bonds.

Competitive prices or bids for all purchases and public works and improvements shall be obtained where practicable and the purchase made from, or the contract awarded to, the lowest responsible bidder; provided, that the council may waive the bidding requirements prescribed in this section in the purchase of noncompetitive items or in case of an emergency. Sealed bids shall be asked for in all transactions involving the expenditure of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) or more, and in the case of public works, the transaction evidenced by a written contract submitted to and approved by the council. Annually, at the same time the budget ordinance is adopted. the council may in that ordinance establish an inflation or deflation adjustment to the base of $10,000.00 to take economic changes into account. Such adjustment shall be determined utilizing reliable indicators or indices of price increases or decreases. Once adopted, the adjustment shall be added to or subtracted from the base of $10,000.00 so that sealed bids shall be asked for in all transactions involving the expenditure of the adjusted base. The council may reject any and all bids. In all transactions where sealed bids are required, the council may demand a deposit by each bidder in the form of a certified check or bid bond in an amount which shall be specified in the call for bids, the council may require a faithful performance or surety bond of the successful bidder. Calls for sealed bids shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation of the city, not less than five (5) days before the deadline for submission of bids, unless the council declares by resolution that an emergency exists. Detailed purchasing and contract award procedures shall be prescribed by ordinance. (Amended June 18, 1986: Reso. No.86-108 ß 4; amended April 13, 1982: Reso. No.60-2, ß I.)