As part of the Downriver Community Conference’s efforts to be a catalyst and facilitator for collaborations and cost saving measures for our member communities, we decided to convene a meeting of the Department of Public Works Directors to explore the possibility of consolidated purchasing. The group held their first meeting on December 11, 2007 and immediately determined that there is value in meeting regularly.
To date, the group has successfully bid out several items collectively, maximizing savings for all, at a time when our communities desperately need it.
A Mutual Aid Agreement was also developed and approved by most of our member communities. This agreement enhances each community’s ability to receive public works assistance from other communities during times of emergency.
The group has also expanded its scope, inviting Department of Public Works/Public Services directors from western Wayne County communities to attend out meetings, AND developed a relationship with the Downriver Operations Managers (DROM) a consortium of operations managers from area school districts.