A. The city manager shall contract for, purchase, or issue purchase authorizations for all supplies, materials, and equipment for offices, departments, and agencies of the city government, subject to any regulations which the council may prescribe. Every contract or purchase exceeding an amount to be established by the council shall require the prior approval of the council. The city manager may also sell or transfer to or between offices, departments, and agencies, surplus or obsolete supplies, materials, and equipment, subject to regulations the council may prescribe.

B. The council may prescribe requirements and procedures for competitive bidding. Notice and opportunity for competitive bidding shall be given before a purchase or contract for supplies, materials, or equipment is made, and before a sale of any surplus or obsolete supplies, materials, or equipment is made, in accordance with regulations the council may prescribe. The council shall not exempt a particular contract, purchase, or sale from the requirement of competitive bidding.

C. The council may transfer some or all of the power granted to the city manager pursuant to the provisions of this section to an employee appointed by and subordinate to the city manager.