The Jacksonville City Council on July 8 approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Tyler that would allow Jacksonville to piggyback on certain Tyler contracts, subject to vendor consent and state law.

Staff said Chapter 791 of the Texas Local Government Code authorizes interlocal agreements between governmental entities for shared services and efficiencies. The agreement allows Jacksonville to use contracts procured by Tyler where permitted, potentially saving time and producing economies of scale for items such as crack-seal or overlay contractors for road work. Staff said the initial term is 12 months and the agreement auto-renews unless either party terminates with 30 days' written notice.

Councilman Rob Goin moved to approve the interlocal agreement; Councilwoman Mindy Gellert seconded. The council approved the agreement by voice vote; the transcript provides no roll-call tally.

The agreement does not obligate either city to purchase from the other's contracts; vendors must agree to allow a piggyback. Staff said the arrangement would come at no cost to Jacksonville unless specific procurements are pursued, and staff noted the city engineer from Tyler had expressed receptiveness to the arrangement.

Votes at a glance: Interlocal agreement with the City of Tyler to allow contract piggybacking — approved (voice vote; motion by Councilman Rob Goin, second by Councilwoman Mindy Gellert).