Purchasing agent seeks co-op memberships and pharmaceutical RFP to lower jail and indigent drug costs

County purchasing staff asked the court for permission to explore cooperative purchasing boards and to approve specifications for pharmaceutical products to be used in requests for proposals or bids.

Darla Hayes, purchasing agent, said she is researching several co-op boards (no cost to the county) to broaden contract options, with an immediate focus on pharmaceutical procurement for the jail and indigent clients. Hayes said certain vendors may provide Medicaid pricing and administrative services; she offered a price comparison from the transcript — an example prescription previously charged at $43.30 versus a Medicaid rate of $35.42 — to illustrate the potential savings. Hayes said the proposed approach would reduce invoice-processing work for county staff and provide retail pharmacy options for indigent clients.

The court approved Darla Hayes' request to submit membership applications to co-ops and approved specifications for pharmaceutical products so staff can proceed with drafting RFPs. IPM is scheduled to make a presentation at the Nov. 19 Commissioner's Court meeting.