Several years ago, as cost conscious consumers, a consortium of South Hills communities banded together to undertake a joint purchasing venture. Having proven extremely successful for our communities, the other seven Allegheny County COGs were eventually invited to participate.
Products range from ammunition for police to swimming pool chemicals to rock salt.
New products are added as requested with recent successful additions being police cars and public works vehicles. The Purchasing Alliance has also undertaken special bids for expensive but infrequently purchased items such as police car video cameras and sanitary sewer flow monitors. In addition, organizations such as the 3 Rivers Wet Weather Demonstration Program, recognizing the experience and proficiency developed, have utilized the services of the Purchasing Alliance for special bids. Not only is the volume producing considerable price discounts, the participants also achieve a savings in that the joint effort eliminates the need for duplicate administrative and advertising costs that would be required if each municipality had to bid these items individually. This program evolved from federal legislation pertaining to cable television and the Telecommunications Act of 1996.