County moves toward centralized purchasing

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer Updated 9:55 PM Monday, February 1, 2010

HAMILTON — After months of agreeing on the potential cost-savings, Butler County commissioners took the first step Monday, Feb. 1, in consolidating purchasing processes among local governments.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to name Randy Quisenberry, contracts manager in the county’s office of Job and Family Services, to begin setting up the program.

“I think it’s relevant to do it today, because I think it’s going to be a big savings to the county,” said Commissioner Donald Dixon, after moving for the creation of central purchasing.

“I’m expecting big things from Randy, and cost savings in the very near future,” agreed Commission President Gregory Jolivette, adding that city mayors at a recent mayors conference were all on board with the plan.

Interim Administrator Bruce Jewett said the concept is still in its infancy.

“At this point we’re really talking about putting the outline together and fleshing it out,” Jewett said.

“I know there’s some interest on the part of all three commissioners that we not waste any time on it,” Jewett said, though a plan is likely months away.

Unclear at this point is how the process would work and which cities, townships and departments would be involved.

Centralized purchasing — lumping in purchases of things like office supplies, computers and heavy equipment to achieve economies of scale — has long been touted as a possible cost savings.

“I think it’s something we really need to focus on in 2010,” Jolivette said. “And I think we’re going to have big results.”

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