New spending limit 'not free rein' for official

A proposed ordinance that will give the city manager approval of purchases up to $20,000 was approved unanimously by the McCook City Council on its first reading, but it will not give him free rein over city funds.

"This is not a way for the city manager for make checks to his buddies," emphasized City Manger Kurt Fritsch.

Instead, the proposed purchasing procedures Fritsch introduced will make the city code book consistent with state law.

State law gives city managers approval at $20,000, but cities can craft their own laws within state statute.

Conflicting codes in McCook's city code book has city council with approval at $20,000 and at $10,000.

Fritsch said this new ordinance will not keep the city council in the dark about purchases, as the council will be aware of the general idea of where money is needed during the budget process.

After a slight amendment, the City Council also approved in its first reading repealing several city ordinances that either conflict with the new purchasing procedure or are already covered by state law. It was amended to retain two that concern Fair Labor Practices.

Councilman Aaron Kircher asked to retain city codes that define Fair Labor practices as he felt it was beneficial to keep them within arm's reach.

Fair Labor Standards are described in state law books, but having the ordinances stay in the city code book makes it easier for the council and members of the public to find, he said.

City Attorney Ronda Vetrovsky, who proposed the repealing of several ordinances, said she had no problem with leaving Fair Labor Practices ordinances in the city code. The reason she proposed repealing those ordinances was that they duplicated state law, she said, and to simplify conflicting codes. If state law changes and the city is still adhering to outdated codes, the city would run the risk of being out of compliance, she said.

The council approved unanimously in its first reading to repeal six ordinances, except for those mentioned by Councilman Kircher.

Kircher also asked if in the future city staff would consider the possibility of rewriting the city code book so that it was updated and concise.

Another city ordinance was approved by the council on its first reading, this time increasing the amount the city manager can write off as uncollected debt from $75 to $200.

The amount of $200 was decided upon by Fritsch and City Clerk Lea Ann Doak as that is the typical amount of two unpaid water bills, Fritsch explained.