Council raises city manager procurement threshold to $50,000 in 3–2 first-reading vote

The City Council approved on first reading an amendment to the procurement code that raises the spending threshold for the city manager from $30,000 to $50,000.

Councilmember debate touched on checks and balances: supporters said the higher threshold reduces the need for frequent council approvals on routine purchases, while opponents warned the change increases executive discretion and urged waiting to hear from the incoming city manager. Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy and Councilman Charles supported the change; Councilman Kevin Burns and Mayor Desome opposed it on balance. The ordinance passed first reading by a 3–2 vote (yes: Councilman Charles, Vice Mayor Timothy, Councilwoman Esteme Irvin; no: Mayor Desome, Councilman Burns).

The ordinance will return for a second reading and final vote; councilmembers said they expected to discuss operational controls and reporting mechanisms before final adoption.

Action: first reading approved 3–2; final adoption requires second reading.