UPDATE: North Olmsted, Ohio, is poised for a significant decision as residents will vote on a crucial charter amendment, Issue 24, on November 4. This initiative aims to expand the city’s purchasing capabilities by allowing access to cooperative purchasing programs, potentially changing how the city manages its procurement processes.
Currently, North Olmsted is restricted to the state bidding process, which has been deemed time-consuming and limiting by city officials. Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones emphasized the need for this amendment, stating, “These programs have already vetted vendors and pricing, so it’ll save us time, because we don’t have to do a full-bid process from scratch.” The proposed change would enable the city to utilize nationally recognized programs like Sourcewell, which offers hundreds of competitively solicited contracts across the country.
This charter amendment is particularly critical as it aligns North Olmsted with other Northeast Ohio communities that have already embraced cooperative purchasing programs. According to the mayor, the benefits could extend to taxpayers by ensuring access to the best pricing available, ultimately saving public funds.
Chairperson of the North Olmsted Charter Review Commission, Jeff Sturgeon, remarked, “After a thorough review of the charter, the commission only saw one issue that needed to be addressed at this time.” He further stated, “This amendment allows the city to work faster and in a more cost-effective and strategic manner.”
The commission, which includes members such as Cedric Grady, Chris Hartenstine, Elizabeth Supan, John Parker, and James Van Hala, recommends this amendment as a vital tool for enhancing operational efficiency within the city.
Residents are urged to consider the implications of this vote, as its outcome could significantly influence how North Olmsted operates and spends taxpayer money. By expanding procurement options, the city aims to streamline its operations and better serve the community.
Stay tuned for further updates as the voting date approaches, and make sure to cast your ballot on November 4. This decision could reshape how North Olmsted manages its resources for years to come.
