The City Charter provides for the creation of the purchasing function and prescribes certain legal and administrative requirements.

“The City Manager shall be responsible for the purchasing of all supplies, materials and other matters of things necessary for the operation of the affairs of the City of Lakeland , both in its governmental and proprietary capacity. A purchasing department may be created as here in above provided, to conduct all purchases and sales of personal property which the City Manager or City Commission may authorize to be purchased or sold for the use and benefit of the City of Lakeland . All sales and conditions of all contracts for the furnishing of work, labor and material shall conform to such regulations as the City Manager or City Commission may prescribe, but in any case if an amount in excess of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) be involved, opportunity for competition being provided in cases of emergency where the existence of an emergency and the need for purchasing in the manner chosen are confirmed by the City Manager and documented in the appropriate department’s files, and shall not apply to purchases which are made from the sole source of supply of such materials or services.”1

The City of Lakeland Policy Manual further specifies the following administrative policies regarding Purchasing and Central Stores:

Subject:  PURCHASING

Policy: The Purchasing Manager shall purchase all supplies, materials and any other matter or items necessary for the operation of the affairs of the City.

A.  Purchases for the requirements and operation of all City agencies are to be made through a centralized purchasing division.

B.   All purchases shall be of a quality to suit the intended purpose at the least expense. Opportunity for competitive bidding shall be given for all purchases exceeding Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) except those selected purchases made directly by the Purchasing staff and/or Department heads where a noncompetitive purchase may be made not exceeding One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00).

C.  All purchases shall be made in accordance with approved and accepted procedures. Awards shall be made to the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications. In the case of a local concern competing against an outside concern, award will be made to the local concern in accordance with Resolution No. 3634 “Local Preference”.     2&3

Subject:  CENTRAL STORES WAREHOUSE

Policy: Items stocked in the Central Stores Warehouse are exclusively for City interdepartmental sales. Warehouse items will not be sold to the public. Items may be loaned on a replacement basis to other municipalities during emergency situations.”

Subject: ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS OR FAVORS BY CITY EMPLOYEES

Policy: No gift, favor, or emolument, regardless of value, shall be accepted by any City employee from vendors, contractors, individuals or firms having any business relationship with the City of Lakeland or who stand to benefit in any manner by providing said gift.”4  

1.  Division I, Section 24, City of Lakeland Charter and Related Laws

2.  City of Lakeland Policy Manual ; adopted 12/78

3.  City of Lakeland Resolution No. 3634; adopted 1/94

4.  City of Lakeland Policy Manual ; adopted 8/75