3.2.010 Purpose

To promote investment and employment in the local community, it is hereby deemed to be in the public interest to allow a preference in awarding public contracts to certain contractors who invest in employment producing businesses or institutions in Great Falls. Such a preference may be allowed at the discretion of the City Commission when the contract and investment opportunities are conducive to the application. (Ord. 2652 (part), 1993; Ord. 2613 (part), 1991).

3.2.020 Preference.

1. A public contract may be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder and, when qualifying, bids shall be compared after reducing the amount bid by a credit which shall not exceed five percent of the original bid amount. A bid qualifies for the credit as follows:
   1. The City shall allow a credit, in a ratio to be determined by the City Commission, for an amount committed by the bidder to an employment producing business or institution in the City.
   2. Such an investment commitment shall be expressly included in the contract and must be demonstrably employment producing in a new or expanding business or institution.
   3. The City Commission must approve the proposed investment to ensure compliance with the public purpose.
2. If the investment is not made within the contract period, the bidder will make payment in the full amount of the investment commitment to the Economic Development Revolving Fund at the expiration of said contract. Such amount may be withheld from final payments due under the contract. (Ord. 2652 (part), 1993; Ord. 2613 (part), 1991).