Kalispell to look at protocol for big purchases

The Kalispell City Council on Tuesday will consider amending city code to be consistent with a state law that allows the purchase of items up to $80,000 without competitive bidding.

At its last meeting, the council rejected bids for two dump trucks because they were considered excessive by city staffers who are confident similar trucks could be purchased for less by simply shopping on the open market.

The council was agreeable, but technically the city was constrained by  city code that prohibited purchases in excess of $50,000 without competitive bidding. 

That code was adopted in accordance with a state law that has since been changed with the limit raised to $80,000.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, newly elected council member Sandy Carlson will be sworn into office. Carlson was not available for the last meeting, when several elected officials were sworn in, due to a family emergency.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall on First Avenue East.