Monterey Park : City Manager Chastised
City Council members scolded City Manager Mark Lewis on Monday for purchasing a computer and laser printer without their permission, and directed him to strictly adhere to a city law requiring prior council approval for items costing $5,000 or more.
But Lewis said he didn’t violate the policy when he bought the computer system two months ago for $10,470. He pointed out that each individual component, such as the software, cost less than $5,000.
Still, four members of the council, with Councilman Fred Balderrama dissenting, said the city manager should have come to them first so they could have solicited bids for the purchase. The council nevertheless approved a payment for the purchase Monday night, although Mayor Betty Couch and Councilwoman Marie Purvis voted against it.
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