Mount Clemens approves online building-permit service; commissioners raise local-bid preference idea

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved a purchase to add online building-permit services through BSNA, with staff reporting a one-time cost of $4,140 and an annual charge of $2 per permit. Commissioners described the service as an automation step that should improve customer service for residents, builders and contractors.

"It's going to be another tool that we can use ... to improve our customer service capabilities," said Brian Tingley in support of the purchase. The motion to approve the contract passed on a roll-call vote.

During the purchases-and-payments discussion, Commissioner Denise raised concerns that local firms lose work to nonlocal bidders and proposed exploring an ordinance or resolution that would prefer local bidders when their price is within a modest percentage of the lowest bid. Staff advised that the city charter mandates competitive bidding but does not necessarily require taking the lowest bid in every circumstance; any formal local-preference policy would require charter and legal review and likely an ordinance.

What happens next: staff will complete the procurement process and implement the BSNA service; commissioners asked staff to return with options and legal analysis if the commission wants to pursue a local-preference procurement ordinance.