Mangano Assists Schools With Reining In Spending

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced that the Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) has approved an agreement to join the Long Island Purchasing Council, a bi-County consortium formed by County Executive Mangano and Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, that allows Nassau’s 56 school districts to participate in its various money-saving initiatives. BOCES officials will represent the districts on the consortium’s board and join in on bids that will benefit them.

To date, the consortium has issued a bid for copy paper, already saved thousands of dollars for each consortium member. In addition, sewer, water and wastewater treatment chemical bids are expected to be awarded in November. The Council also formed a sub-committee, specifically targeting savings for fire districts and ambulance companies in both counties. A Request-For-Proposals (RFP) for emergency medical supplies and assorted fire gear is expected to be advertised soon.

County Executive Ed Mangano stated, “I applaud the LIPC’s effort to increase membership and, in turn, purchasing power and for working tirelessly to find ways to save taxpayer dollars. All municipalities must work collaboratively toward reducing costs for taxpayers. This is a great step toward achieving that goal and I urge all municipalities who haven’t already done so to join the LIPC. I am encouraged by support shown thus far and have confidence that the efforts of this group will help eliminate the waste of taxpayer dollars. Together, we are stronger!”

Deputy Superintendent of Nassau BOCES, Robert Hanna, added, “This is another great opportunity for Nassau County School Districts to bid and purchase needed products and services in a cost efficient manner that will save taxpayer dollars.”

The LIPC is aimed at pooling common government needs to obtain better pricing to help cut taxpayer costs and execute bulk purchases for common goods and services. Municipalities interested in joining the LIPC simply need to pass a resolution authorizing them to join. There is no fee and, as a member, a district may participate in any of the consortiums’ bulk purchases. The next open meeting of the LIPC is October 27th at Suffolk County headquarters in Hauppauge.

In addition to Nassau and Suffolk Counties, members include these districts and municipalities: City of Glen Cove, Bethpage, Franklin Square, Hicksville and Syosset Fire Departments, Town of Oyster Bay, Villages of Great Neck Plaza, Kings Point, Laurel Hollow, Matinecock, Plandome Heights, Sands Point, Stewart Manor and Valley Stream. As well as, Jericho, Massapequa, Oyster Bay, Port Washington and South Farmingdale water districts.

For more information on how to become a member of the LIPC, municipalities should visit: http://www.lipurchasingcouncil.org.