Blogging about the Annual Plant Mix bid brought back memories about another recent Request for Proposal (RFP). That being for Town Internet Service Provider.
Why is it that sometimes Council votes to approve issuing an RFP, and other times it does not? Why is it that once those bids are received and reviewed, a recommendation does not come back to Council for approval?
Citizens hold Council accountable for use of public funds so decisions to award contracts should be discussed in public, determined by an affirmative vote of a majority of Council members.
Maybe this is one reason when it's time to "Pay the Bills" Council has to ask questions -- the present reporting format doesn't show anything other than who is receiving a payment and the amount. The reports do not show which part of the budget the money is coming from (and therefore presumes it is an appropriated or funded item), nor what department generated the expense.
Citizens, hold Council accountable for use of public funds.