To: Laguna Beach City Council Members
Re: Consent Item 16 City Purchasing Policy
Date: June 23, 2026
Dear Councilmembers:
You may recall that I was very much in support of the new purchasing policy adopted in late 2025. I thought it was a positive step toward strengthening the City's internal controls surrounding the purchasing function and I commended both the Director of Finance and the City Manager for bringing it forward.
For the most part, I also support the changes being proposed tonight. Using a City Purchase Order rather than a formal contract for the purchase of goods and commodities for purchases up to $30,000 would seem to be a reasonable nod to efficiency without unduly sacrificing internal controls. And I can see no reason not to move the policy from an Administrative Policy to a City Council Policy.
I do, however, object to the request to allow the Public Works Director to approve public works projects under $75,000 without additional review and approval by the City Manager, as is currently required by the policy. The idea that there is a form of check because much of public works projects are budgeted confuses the budget process with the procurement process. And while it may be true that bypassing reviews and approvals would "improve responsiveness, streamline project delivery, and reduce administrative delays," that also could be said of any internal control. Proper internal controls would dictate that authorization for spending City funds not rest with a single individual. Better that approval remain with the City Manager (or one of his assistants, if appropriate.)
Thank you for your consideration,
Mary Locatelli
RECEIVED
To: Laguna Beach City Council
Re: Consent Calendar, Item 16, City Purchasing Policy JUN 2 2 2026 Date: June 23, 2026
City of Laguna Beach, CA City Clerk's Office
Councilmembers,
I respectfully request you reconsider the proposal to authorize the Public Works Director to approve projects of up to $75,000 without a secondary level of review. While I understand the desire to improve efficiency, accelerate project delivery, and reduce administrative burdens, those goals should be balanced against the importance of maintaining appropriate oversight of public expenditures.
The fact that projects are anticipated through the budget process does not diminish or eliminate the need for independent review during the procurement and authorization process. Budget approval establishes spending authority at a broad level, whercas project approval involves specific decisions regarding the expenditure of public funds.
One of the fundamental principles of good governance is the use of checks and balances to reduce the likelihood of errors, oversights, misunderstandings, or improper decision-making.
These safeguards are not intended to impede operations but rather to protect both the public interest and City staff by ensuring that significant spending decisions receive appropriate oversight.
For that reason, I believe the current requirement for approval by the City Manager, or an authorized designee, should remain in place. Maintaining a second level of review provides an important internal control while still allowing projects to move forward efficiently.
Respectfully,
way mount teel
2874 Bernard Court
Laguna Beach, CA
949.533.7032