UPDATE: North Olmsted is set to put a critical charter amendment on the ballot for November 4, 2023. The lone proposal, known as Issue 24, aims to enhance the city’s purchasing flexibility and efficiency by allowing access to additional cooperative purchasing programs.
Currently, North Olmsted relies solely on the state bidding process, which has been described as cumbersome and restrictive. Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones emphasized the need for change, stating, “Right now, the charter only allows the city to use the state bidding process. It’s very time-consuming and really limits our options.”
If approved, this amendment would enable the city to utilize nationally recognized cooperative purchasing programs, such as Sourcewell. This would allow North Olmsted to tap into hundreds of competitively solicited contracts, streamlining operations and saving taxpayers money.
The charter amendment comes after a thorough review by the North Olmsted Charter Review Commission, which previously recommended four amendments in 2020. Chairperson Jeff Sturgeon noted, “After a thorough review of the charter, the commission only saw one issue that needed to be addressed at this time.” He added that this amendment represents a strategic option for the city, enhancing its ability to operate efficiently.
The proposed change aims to give North Olmsted greater flexibility through comparison shopping. “These programs have already vetted vendors and pricing,” Mayor Jones explained. “It’ll save us time because we don’t have to do a full-bid process from scratch. And, it ultimately saves us and the taxpayers’ money.”
The urgency of this amendment reflects a growing trend among Northeast Ohio communities that have already adopted cooperative purchasing programs. This shift could significantly affect how the city manages its resources and engages with vendors.
As North Olmsted residents prepare for the upcoming vote, the community is encouraged to consider the potential benefits of this amendment. It aims to ensure that city operations are not only cost-effective but also timely and strategic, ultimately serving the best interests of local citizens.
Stay tuned for more updates as the election date approaches!
