GENERAL INFORMATION

DEPARTMENT BUDGET/EMPLOYEES
Procurement services for all County departments are centralized under the County Purchasing Agent. The Purchasing Agent has sole authority under the Government Code to purchase personal property, services, and rent of equipment for the County. Vendors are encouraged to contact Purchasing Division Buyers to discuss the County's requirements for specific products and services.

Each Buyer is a specialist in the commodities they purchase. The knowledge and efficiency of the Buyers are increased by regular exposure to new products and technology offered by Vendors.

A listing of Buyers assigned to each commodity group is available upon request.

The department consists of 29 employees and has a 2008-09 budget of $4,097,644. 

PURPOSE
It is the Purchasing Division's purpose to maintain continuity of services and supplies to support the various County agencies and departments that enable them to provide their services to the public; to purchase at the lowest cost consistent with quality and quantity required.

VISION/FUNCTION
Our mission is to provide quality, value-added services in a cost efficient, ethical customer service-oriented manner.  To value the employee and respect our differences.  To dedicate ourselves to a philosophy of excellence and continuously strive to achieve results.

STANDARDS:

• To regard public service as a sacred trust, giving primary consideration to the interest of the governmental unit by whom we are employed.
• To purchase the best value obtainable, securing the maximum benefit for each tax dollar expended.
• To avoid "sharp" practices, giving all qualified vendors an equal opportunity.
• To respect the obligations and to require that obligations to us and our governmental unit be respected.
• To accord vendor representatives the same treatment we should like to receive, remembering that they are important sources of information and assistance in our buying problems.
• To strive constantly for greater knowledge of purchasing methods and of the materials we buy.
• To be receptive to counsel from our colleagues and to cooperate with them to promote a spirit of unity.
• To conduct ourselves with fairness and dignity and to demand honesty and truth in buying and selling.
• To cooperate with all organizations and individuals engaged in enhancing the development and standing of the Purchasing profession.
• To remember that everything we do reflects on the entire Purchasing profession and to govern our every action accordingly.