OPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

The Purchasing Division is responsible for the procurement of all goods, materials, services and equipment unless specified otherwise by a county ordinance, resolution or the laws of the state, and for the disposal by sale of all surplus county goods, supplies and equipment.

The department maintains vendor and bidder lists; writes, edits and evaluates specifications; sets up vendor demonstrations; and schedules sessions for County staff to meet new vendors and evaluate new products, goods and services.

The Purchasing staff conducts value analysis and comparative cost studies and evaluates procurement standards on an ongoing basis.

The staff provides guidance concerning proper competitive bid and quotation procedures.

The Purchasing Division serves as the value saver and negotiator for the County’s taxpayers in communicating with other counties, state government price sources (Vendornet) and single source vendors on cost improvement measures to save County dollars.

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Increased the dollar ranges for small purchases in Ordinance Section 7-291 for more efficient use of staff time.

Changed the dollar limitations for petty cash purchases in Racine County Ordinance Sec. 7-231 and 7-232 to account for inflation since 1988.

Utilized group-purchasing programs available to SE Wisconsin and the State to reduce the costs of services and equipment for the County’s operations.

Advanced staff knowledge in procurement procedures and legalities through educational seminars offered by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.

2005 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES

• Spend less to provide best “value” goods, services and equipment for the County’s operations through competitive bidding and extensive use of cooperative purchasing.
• Continue to develop ways of implementing cost reduction plans through communication with other departments.
• Continue to work with the larger County departments to implement on-line requisitions.
• Investigate the use of Procurement Cards to reduce department operational costs.
• Update the Racine County Procurement Policy to make it easier to read and understand.
• Continue to provide training to staff in order to increase efficiency and to improve customer service.