By Chris Falkowski, Managing Editor

Nothing aggrieves us more than a waste of time and money.  As an example, let’s take a look at the “Buy Local” ordinance that was passed by the City Council several months ago. 

The City Council was specific in their desire to utilize local vendors, from St. Cloud and/or Osceola County, for any projects, supplies and services that were needed by the city as often as possible.  This was an outstanding position to take considering the current economic climate.  Although there was resistance from city staff to the ordinance, the City Council felt the need to support local businesses was the best way to address the economic need and passed the ordinance.   

This action, in and of itself, was time-consuming and expensive.  Staff was required to review other governmental agency’s directives; draft the ordinance, have it reviewed by the legal expert, prepare it, advertise it, placed on two agendas for Council meetings and public hearings.  Believe it or not, this is a very costly process, but one that allows for careful consideration and public input from residents and business owners alike. 

Now, let’s look at how well Ordinance No. 2009-05 to “Buy Local” has been implemented.  The Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual Volunteer Day activities at Hopkins Park in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.  This annual event involves several hundred citizen volunteers, many of whom are residents of our fair city, and they work very hard for several hours on that day.  What better way to thank volunteers for their efforts than with a meal or two?  Herein lays the problem. 

Perhaps the new Interim Parks and Recreation Director wasn’t aware of the “Buy Local” ordinance.  Maybe the new director didn’t receive any advice from the department staff about supporting the local economy by using local vendors.  Maybe the new director didn’t receive the appropriate training or the policy manual, but the bottom line is the new Interim Parks and Recreation Director chose to use an Orlando caterer, thus spending city funds outside the local area. 

We understand from several participants of the Volunteer Day event that the catered meals were quite good.  One small problem: the bid document that was sent out was specific and asked local vendors to submit bids for a lunch that included cold sandwiches, potato chips, a dessert tray, fruit punch, lemonade and sweet tea.  We know of two St. Cloud vendors that responded to the bid on time and stated pricing that matched the bid criteria. 

The Orlando caterer provided a breakfast that met specifications, but the lunch that was bid and awarded did not meet the bid specifications; granted it was a far better lunch than was requested, but local businesses weren’t given the opportunity to “re-bid” against the Orlando firm that bid a hot lunch. 

Why issue a bid request and accept bids that did not meet specified criteria?  Why not judge the vendor pricing on an equal basis?  Why spend money for a St. Cloud event with vendors outside of the city and the county?  

Why go to the expense of implementing a Local Preference Purchasing Ordinance, when you don’t follow the criteria?  Using an outside vendor resulted in no actual “promotion of business enterprises that own property, operate businesses and offices, employ individuals and pay taxes within Osceola County.” 

What a waste of valuable time and money, for everyone.

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