Mount Clemens adopts local‑preference purchasing policy, schedules ordinance second reading

The Mount Clemens City Commission on July 6 approved a local‑preference purchasing policy that gives priority to Mount Clemens and Macomb County vendors and scheduled the related ordinance amendment for a second reading on July 20.

Commissioner Mentzer moved to approve the purchasing policy and the revised purchasing ordinance “as presented,” and the motion carried on a roll call vote with all commissioners present voting yes. City Manager Johnson said the draft policy is intended to benefit Mount Clemens businesses and Macomb County firms while preserving competitive bidding requirements.

“We drafted the policy to give a benefit to Mount Clemens businesses and to Macomb County businesses,” Johnson said, adding the city must remain mindful of competitiveness and its charter obligations.

Discussion focused on whether the policy should be broadened to include Michigan businesses outside Macomb County. Commissioner Mentzer proposed including Michigan vendors in the preference but several commissioners urged caution, noting that adding a third preference category would complicate the bidding structure and could conflict with charter and fiduciary duties.

One commissioner said staff can, on a case‑by‑case basis, recommend an exception to the lowest bidder for reasons such as proximity or better service. City Manager Johnson and legal staff advised that broadening the preference would require rewriting the policy and establishing a separate percentage tier for statewide businesses.

The commission’s action approved the purchasing policy and acknowledged first reading of the ordinance; the clerk will place the revised ordinance on the July 20 agenda for a formal second reading and possible adoption.

Next steps: second reading of the purchasing ordinance is scheduled for July 20; staff indicated they will provide additional drafting if the commission wants to expand the policy scope.