Medford council grants City Manager $25,000 spending authority over staff cards

The Medford City Council on Feb. 9 approved Resolution 6.75 to establish purchasing and payment authority for the City Manager, including the Medford Public Works Authority and Medford Economic Development Authority, and to authorize city‑issued credit and fuel cards. The vote to set the spending limit at $25,000 passed 4–1 after Vice‑Mayor Steve Zeman moved to approve the measure and Councilmember Shari England seconded.

Councilmember Mandy Sinor recorded a dissenting vote and asked that her objection be placed on the record, stating she opposed the resolution “due to concerns that this authority could be used to bypass council discussion and public input on matters.” No amendment to the $25,000 threshold was recorded in the minutes. The motion and vote are recorded as part of the council’s Feb. 9 minutes; the resolution also explicitly covers authority for MPWA and MEDA purchases under the City Manager’s purview. The council had agreed at the start of the meeting to move Resolution 6.75 to the beginning of the agenda so it could be considered immediately.

The resolution text as recorded authorizes departmental spending limits and the use of city cards; the minutes do not list specific procedural limits, reporting requirements, or a dollar figure for any item beyond the $25,000 cap. The item will remain part of the public record and any changes would require future council action.