When can the Board of Water and Power Commissioners authorize the General Manager to enter contracts?

The Board of Water and Power Commissioners may authorize the General Manager to enter contracts, but they maintain strict guidelines concerning the nature of those contracts. Specifically, contracts for personal services often require more oversight because they involve individual employees or consultants. The reasoning behind this regulation is to ensure that personal service agreements are duly reviewed and approved, often needing additional scrutiny to avoid conflicts of interest or issues related to employment law.

In contrast, contracts involving other types of services or materials may not demand the same level of oversight, allowing for broader authorization. This delineation ensures that the Board can effectively manage accountability and uphold ethical standards within the organization. It's crucial for maintaining transparency and fairness, especially in public utility operations where resources and public trust are at stake.

This context helps clarify why the focus on excluding personal service contracts is significant when considering the authority given to the General Manager by the Board.