Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

Approval of Capital Expenditures
(National Center for Nonprofit Boards)

Purchasing
Any equipment or services with an estimated value of $1,000 or more, shall be purchased through competitive bidding or comparative pricing by at least three vendors whenever possible. Comparative pricing or competitive bidding should also be used periodically for regularly purchased materials, supplies, services, and insurance.

Property
The board chair must approve the purchase or disposition of any asset with a value of $2,500 or less. The purchase or sale of any asset of higher value shall be approved by the Board of Directors. The purchase or sale of any real estate must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Discretionary Fund
The District Manager shall have the authority to spend up to $1,000 from the discretionary fund on any single acquisition without prior approval from the Board of Directors as long as the funds are available in the District's budget. Such acquisitions shall be reported to the Board of Directors for approval at the next regular District meeting.