Dickson City Council Shifts More Purchasing Authority To Mayor, Administrator

Photo: Dickson City Hall (Justin Spurlock)

Dickson, TN — The Dickson City Council voted unanimously Feb. 2 to expand contract-signing authority for the city’s top administrative officials, approving changes that increase the dollar thresholds for purchases that do not require full council approval.

The measure, approved on second reading as Ordinance #1577, amends the Dickson Municipal Code to align with the city’s purchasing policy.

Under the new structure:

• The City Administrator may sign contracts up to $10,000

• The Mayor may sign contracts up to $25,000

• City Council approval is required for contracts exceeding $25,000

City Administrator David Travis told council members the changes correspond with the city’s existing purchasing procedures and are intended to streamline operations.

What changed

Previously, lower contract limits required more items to come before the full council for approval. By increasing the thresholds, the city shifts more routine purchasing authority to administrative leadership.

Supporters of the change say it allows day-to-day business to move more efficiently without waiting for formal council meetings, particularly for time-sensitive or operational contracts.

The ordinance passed with all eight council members present.

Why it matters

Adjustments to contract authority often generate discussion around transparency and oversight in local government.

On one hand, expanding administrative authority can:

• Speed up procurement processes

• Reduce meeting backlogs

• Allow departments to respond more quickly to operational needs

On the other hand, higher thresholds mean fewer contracts require direct public votes by elected officials.

Because the new limits still require council approval for contracts above $25,000, major expenditures remain subject to public deliberation and formal votes during council sessions.

Balancing efficiency and oversight

Municipal governments regularly review purchasing policies to ensure they reflect current costs and administrative needs. Inflation and rising service costs can make older limits impractical over time.

By adjusting the thresholds, Dickson joins many municipalities that allow administrative officials to handle smaller contracts internally while reserving larger financial commitments for council approval.

The change took effect following final passage on second reading.

The next regular session of the Dickson City Council will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, at Dickson City Hall.