Nassau, Suffolk move on joint purchases

Nassau and Suffolk counties plan to consolidate their purchases of wastewater treatment chemicals into a single contract that officials say could lead to major savings for taxpayers.

The Long Island Purchasing Council, a procurement consortium between the two counties, the towns of Oyster Bay and Brookhaven and dozens of villages across Long Island, agreed Thursday to begin soliciting bids in the coming weeks for the purchase of sewer treatment chemicals.

"A lot of money is being spent on this, and we want to find some savings," said Michael Schlenoff, director of purchasing for Nassau County, during the council's third meeting on Thursday.

Massapequa, Oyster Bay and Jericho water districts will also consider joining the cooperative bid, which will be issued this summer.

It is unclear precisely how much can be saved through the bulk purchases of the chemicals, which Nassau County spent about $2.4 million on last year, Schlenoff said.

But the council's first venture -- the acquisition of copier paper -- is estimated to save Nassau $57,000 in its first year, officials said.

Future contracts could include emergency medical service equipment for county fire departments.

Officials at the meeting also reached an agreement that will allow Nassau's 76 fire districts and 56 school districts to join the LI Purchasing Council.