The city manager shall, subject to Section 3.04.010 of this chapter, make suitable rules and regulations for the purchase and procurement of all needful supplies, equipment and replacements required by the several city departments. He or she may appoint a city purchasing agent and channel all procurements authorized herein through such office, subject however to such exceptions for purchase of items of immediate necessity as may be required by the several city departments. (Prior code § 1-418)