UPDATE: North Olmsted, Ohio, has officially placed a crucial charter amendment on the November 4 ballot, aimed at enhancing the city’s purchasing processes. This decision comes after a thorough review by the North Olmsted Charter Review Commission, which identified a significant opportunity for improvement.
If passed, Issue 24 will grant the city access to additional cooperative purchasing programs, expanding options beyond the current state bidding process. Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones emphasized the urgency of this amendment, stating, “Right now, the charter only allows the city to use the state bidding process, which is very time-consuming and really limits our options.”
The proposed amendment is set to streamline procurement by allowing North Olmsted to utilize nationally recognized programs like Sourcewell, which provides hundreds of competitively solicited cooperative contracts. This change is anticipated to not only save time but also significantly reduce costs for the city, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.
Mayor Jones highlighted the practical advantages: “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. And it saves us and ultimately the taxpayers’ money because it gives our city access to the best pricing available.”
The North Olmsted Charter Review Commission, led by Chairperson Jeff Sturgeon, has worked diligently throughout the year, identifying this single issue as vital for the city’s operational efficiency. Sturgeon noted, “To be clear, this amendment is just one more option that we have at our disposal. This amendment allows the city to work faster and in a more cost-effective and strategic manner.”
With neighboring communities in Northeast Ohio already benefiting from such cooperative purchasing programs, this amendment positions North Olmsted to keep pace and ensure the best use of public funds.
Residents are encouraged to inform themselves about this significant ballot item, as it represents a potential shift in how the city manages its resources. The Charter Review Commission’s commitment to improving local governance reflects a broader trend among municipalities seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness in public spending.
What’s next? Voters in North Olmsted will have the opportunity to shape the future of their city on November 4. As the election date approaches, community engagement and awareness about Issue 24 will be crucial.
Stay tuned for more updates as this important election draws near!
