Purchasing

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About Us

The Blount County, Tennessee Purchasing Department is established by approval of the County Legislative Body and the adoption of the County Purchasing Law of 1957, Tennessee Code Annotated 5-14-101 et. Seq.

The Purchasing Department is the central purchasing agency for all departments within the Blount County, Tennessee Government and the Blount County Board of Education.  The Purchasing Department is responsible for purchasing and contracts for all supplies, materials, equipment and contracted services required by County. These purchases are made in compliance with the Purchasing Law and the County’s Bid Thresholds.

The Purchasing Department receives requisitions for purchase, issues purchase orders, solicits bids, receives and disposes of surplus property (real and personal),  and is in charge of the central mailroom. The Purchasing Agent supervises a full-time staff of three.  In order to stay informed of the latest procurement techniques and product information, the Department maintains an active membership in the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), the Tennessee Association of Public Purchasing (TAPP) and the East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA). 

Purchasing Agent

Leading the department is Purchasing Agent is appointed by the Mayor and approved by the County Legislative Body.  The Purchasing Agent works with a five member team on the County Purchasing Commission to establish a purchasing system for the County and when necessary, reviews and amends the policies and procedures as allowed within the limits of the County Purchasing Law, Tennessee Annotated Code 5-14-101 et seq.

Purchasing Commission

The current Purchasing Commission consists of:   Mayor Ed Mitchell, Commissioner Mike Caylor, Mike Lewis, Laura Floyd and Glen Longhurst.