§ 2-250. Purchasing procedures.

(a)

In accordance with G.S. 159-7 et seq., no bill or claim against the town may be paid unless it has been approved by the officer or employee responsible for the function or agency to which the expense is charged. No check or draft of the town shall be valid unless it bears on its face the certificate of the finance director as follows:

"This disbursement has been approved as required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act."

(b)

No contract, agreement, or purchase order shall be valid unless it bears the finance director's certificate as follows:

"This instrument has been preaudited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act."

(c)

Any town employee purchasing any goods without a purchase order signed by the town finance director will be held responsible for the cost of the goods except purchases less than $100.00.

(d)

Any town employee purchasing any goods at a price of more than $500.00 shall make that purchase using a properly executed purchase order form as approved by the board of commissioners, and the purchase order shall only be issued upon compliance with the following conditions:

(1)

A purchase request, on a form approved by the board of commissioners, shall originate with the head of the department making a purchase request;

(2)

The purchase request shall then be delivered to the purchasing agent who shall obtain at least three price quotes for requested goods only if greater than $1,000.00;

(3)

The purchase request shall then be delivered to the finance director for accounting purposes; and

(4)

The purchase request shall then be finally delivered to the town manager for final approval.

(e)

Any town employee purchasing any goods at a price of less than $500.00 shall first obtain from the purchasing agent a purchase request form, as approved by the board of commissioners, and then deliver the purchase request to the finance director or assistant finance director for final approval.

(f)

Any purchase $5,000.00 or greater shall require approval from the board of commissioners.

(Code 1985, § 34.03; Code 1999, § 2-215; Ord. of 3-6-1996, § 1; Ord. of 6-18-2007(1), § 1; Ord. of 9-3-2008, § 1)