If there is a penny to save, Smith County Purchasing Director Kelli Davis can find it. She has worked in various departments of Smith County for 15 years and knows how to cut costs. In light of the recent economic state, she has made it her mission to share the savings with as many local entities as possible through Cooperative Purchasing Agreements.

Co-op Purchasing is the sharing of procurement contracts between governmental entities. Mrs. Davis has met with Ronnie Fite, City Manager for the City of Whitehouse, and the Bullard City Council. She plans to meet with many more municipalities before she is through.

"Cooperative purchasing agreements are just a way for the smaller, incorporated cities within the county to save money by sharing the same purchasing rates that the county gets on goods and services," Mrs. Davis said.

The Co-op is open to all local governments, nonprofit, and other political subdivisions. There is no cost to join the Smith County Purchasing Co-op. Additionally, there are no hidden rules or agendas in joining the co-op.

"Joint/Co-op Purchasing can develop trust and build loyalty to government systems while enhancing competition, reducing costs, and improving efficiency," Mrs. Davis said.

Co-op members will still place their orders directly with awarded vendors. Members will be billed directly by vendors and have input on where bids are sent.

"Forming a team of purchasing officials interested in cooperative purchasing efforts will lead to better time management and greater cost savings for all parties. This practice builds a trust with taxpayers and gives elected officials more options to review in order to save taxpayer money. Cooperative purchasing is responsible, accountable, and provides for transparent government," she said.

Davis addressed Bullard city council at the last regularly scheduled meeting and all members were receptive to the idea that this small city could have the same buying power in a competitive market as Tyler and other larger cities.