§ 2-286. Organization.

(a)

Authority of the purchasing director. All rights, powers, duties and authority relating to the procurement and contracting of goods, services or construction, including both vertical and horizontal construction, for the board of county commissioners, including the authority to approve all purchases except as otherwise noted herein and to sign purchase orders for the purchase of goods, services or construction, including both vertical or horizontal construction as governed by this ordinance, provided they are in conformance with the law and all applicable rules and regulations, are vested in the purchasing director.

(b)

Delegation of authority by the purchasing director to other county staff. The purchasing director may delegate rights, powers and authority vested in him/her to subordinate purchasing employees or other county staff, when deemed necessary by the purchasing director, provided such staff shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and procedures established by the county.

(c)

Adoption of the purchasing procedures manual. The county manager shall prepare and promulgate procedures for purchasing, procurement and the sale and conveyance of real or personal property as necessary for the implementation of this article. The policies and procedures shall be codified in a manual titled the "Purchasing Procedures Manual." This authorized purchasing procedures manual shall be published by the county as the operational document for this article. The county manager may authorize changes to the manual upon recommendation by the purchasing director.

(d)

Authority of the county manager. In accordance with Polk County Ordinance No. 96-01, and those powers enumerated therein, the county manager shall have the full power and authority, and is hereby duly authorized, to make, enter into, execute, amend, modify or supplement any contract or agreement for the purchase or procurement of any goods, services, materials, supplies or equipment in an amount not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), on behalf of, in the name of, or purporting to bind the county, without further approval of the board of county commissioners, provided that all necessary funding for any such contract or agreement has previously been budgeted and approved by the board, and the terms and conditions of such contract or agreement have been reviewed and approved by the county attorney or his/her designee.

(e)

Ethics. Whereas the purchasing division is charged with the responsibility to transact the business of the county through the procurement of goods, services and construction and whereas the division should conduct these activities with the highest degree of ethical standards, the code of ethics of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) is adopted as follows:

NIGP CODE OF ETHICS

The Institute believes, and it is a condition of membership, that the following ethical principles should govern the conduct of every person employed by a public sector procurement or materials management organization.

Seeks or accepts a position as head (or employee) only when fully in accord with the professional principles applicable thereto and when confident of possessing the qualifications to serve under those principles to the advantage of the employing organization.

Believes in the dignity and worth of the service rendered by the organization, and the societal responsibilities assumed as a trusted public servant.

Is governed by the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal relationships in order to merit the respect and Inspire the confidence of the organization and the public being served.

Believes that personal aggrandizement or personal profit obtained through misuse of public or personal relationships is dishonest and not tolerable.

Identifies and eliminates participation of any individual in operational situations where a conflict of interest may be involved.

Believes that members of the Institute and its staff should at no time, or under any circumstances accept directly or indirectly, gifts, gratuities, or other things of value from suppliers, which might influence or appear to influence purchasing decisions.

Keeps the governmental organization informed, through appropriate channels, on problems and progress of applicable operations by emphasizing the importance of the facts.

Resists encroachment on control of personnel in order to preserve integrity as a professional manager. Handles all personnel matters on a merit basis, and in compliance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of politics, religion, color, natural origin, disability, gender, age, pregnancy and other protected characteristics.

Seeks or dispenses no personal favors. Handles each administrative problem objectively and empathetically, without discrimination.

Subscribes to and supports the professional aims and objectives of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.

(Ord. No. 06-024, § 3, 5-10-06; Ord. No. 08-063, § III(3), 11-18-08; Ord. No. 2015-078, § 2, 12-1-15)