Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

09/13/2022

BACKGROUND

The purpose of cooperative purchasing groups is to obtain the benefits and efficiencies that can accrue to members, comply with State bidding requirements, and identify qualified vendors of commodities, goods, and services. The City of Schertz currently participates in several purchasing cooperatives, such as BuyBoard and HGAC. Authority for such participation is granted under Texas Government Code§§ 791.001 et seq as amended. Cooperative Purchasing Services under this interlocal agreement (ILA) are extended to all Texas State, City or County Government Agencies, or any other Local Government Entity as defined in the Texas Government Code§ 791.003. In accordance with the Interlocal Cooperation Act, all ILAs must be approved by an entity’s governing body.

Additionally, Subchapter F, Chapter 271.102 of the Texas Local Government Code, “Cooperative Purchasing Program Participation,” provides that a local government may participate in a cooperative purchasing program with other local governments or a local cooperative organization established to provide local governments access to contracts with vendors for the purchase of materials, supplies, services or equipment. Simply, purchasing cooperatives allow for substantial savings to be realized by volume purchasing of specific commodity items.

In researching opportunities for purchasing medical supplies for Schertz EMS, we found that Bound Tree Medical provides a significant number of the supplies needed by EMS. BoundTree participates in several group purchasing cooperative contracts but in a review of the discounts offered on those contracts, it was found that the City of Midlothian had the most cost effective pricing. As such, the City of Schertz desires to enter into an agreement with the City of Midlothian to utilize their pricing related to EMS medical supplies.

GOAL

The City has reviewed the benefits of participating in this cooperative and has concluded that these programs will provide the best value to the City through volume discounts.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Purchasing cooperatives assist local governments in reducing costs through volume purchasing. Additionally, City resources are conserved and purchasing efficiencies are maximized through use of a streamlined procurement process.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Consideration and/or action approving a resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas authorizing an interlocal agreement with the City of Midlothian, for cooperative purchasing services.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no cost to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Midlothian.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Council approval of Resolution 22-R-89 authorizing an interlocal agreement with the City of Midlothian, for cooperative purchasing services.

Attachments
Midlothian Supply Agreement
ILA
Resolution 22-R-89