By John McNamara
Municipal bidding procedures for the purchase of supplies and contractual services have been revised “for greater consistency and efficiency” for the first time in more than 11 years. The Common Council amended Chapter VIII of the ordinances at its June 10th meeting, increasing the threshold for competitive bidding from $7,500 to $25,000,
The revision exempting purchases and contracting under $25,000 aligns with Connecticut statutes governing municipal finance allowing cities and towns to establish bidding policies through charter or ordinances. The state upped the statutory exemption to $50,000 in 2024. However, $25,000 is more commonly used in CT cities, New Britain joins Hartford, New Haven, Norwich and Middletown and others that set the exemption at $25,000 before the bid process begins.
COMMON COUNCIL UPDATE
The Common Council last raised the exemption in 2015 from $3,000 to $7,500. Since that time overall prices for goods and services have increased 41 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing an average of more than three percent per year.
For all purchases and contracts over $25,000 open, competitive bidding will be required by “a formal, written contract from the lowest responsible bidder” subject to approval by the Common Council. Under the ordinance the Common Council receives monthly reports of all purchases between $500 and $25,000 with the name of the vendor, owners and the “dollar amount spent on each individual purchase and the aggregate total for the fiscal year.”
Municipal departments and the School District will be able to address needs for repairs, equipment and services more efficiently by obtaining, for example, quotes from qualified vendors without turning to a full bidding process for purchases under $25,000, according to city officials,
The ordinance change is expected to end an on-call vendor list created and used during the Stewart Administration that allowed up to $100,000 in expenditures for a range of trade work, acquisitions and services without competitive bidding. In April, 2025 Common Council Democrats pushed back on the $100,000 threshold for on-call work, reducing the amount to $37,500 in an amended resolution . The $37,500 exemption expires on June 30th at the end of the fiscal year, and the $25,000 threshold will now apply uniformly for addressing electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, building envelope, masonry, and interior repairs and supplies for city and school buildings in a timely manner.
In other Council actions on June 10th
Downtown Tax District Mill Rate Set at 2.75 for 2027 Fiscal Year
The Common Council approved a flat mill rate of 2.75 mills for the city’s Downtown District (NBDD) in support of the district’s $308,728 budget for the new fiscal year that was approved by the District’s Board of Commissioners in May. Approximately 100 property owners will pay the 2.75 mill rate tax that is expected to raise $243,028 in fiscal year 2027. The NBDD is a quasi-public entity that operates apart from municipal government.
The Downtown District was established in 1983 under state law allowing special tax districts over and above municipal property taxes with boundaries limited to the immediate downtown area or other areas cities can designate for improvement and economic development. In addition to marketing downtown the NBDD sponsors a “Clean & Safe Ambassador Program”, a retail improvement program and special events.
Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield Picked Again for Next Property Revaluation
The Common Council approved a new contract for Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield (Munival) for the city’s next property revaluation The firm, which has conducted re-assessments in New Britain previously and performs the services in other CT municipalities, will re-appraise all taxable and exempt real property for tax purposes and set new values by October 1, 2027.
Munival responded successfully to the request for proposals to perform the work with the City Assessor that is required under state law every five years with approval of a $250,000. Costs for the revaluation will be spread over two fiscal years.
Flag Raising, Resolution Marks Pride Month
dignity, fairness, civility, and mutual respect” and recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+), and allied residents, families, workers, business owners, public servants, educators, volunteers, and community members have contributed to the civic, economic, cultural, and social life of New Britain.”
This update provided by John McNamara, a Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader. For more information john,mcnamara@newbritainct.gov
NB Politicus 