Type:

Joint Purchase and Ownership of Equipment

Joint Purchase of Copy Paper

Agency, Counties or Groups involved in the process:

Winona County, the cities of Winona, Leiston, Goodview, Winona State University, St. Mary's University, ISD 861, Mn State College-SE Technical, and Winona Area Catholic Schools.

Why did you collaborate on this effort?

Local area governmental entities and schools agreed to cooperate on the purchase of copier/printer paper.

Keys to success / challenges / lessons learned / advice to others:

This was one of several initiatives designed to save money and generally facilitate cooperative efforts.

What have been the outcomes to-date?

Basic key to success was the desire to make this happen.  Challenges were the type of paper needed (recycled content, whiteness), delivery schedule, and establishing unloading criteria.

Resources:

Our average savings is around $25K. This program has been in service for about 7 years and has been very successful.

For more information,
please contact:

Blake Pickart, Finance Director

bpickart@co.winona.mn.us  

Type:

Joint Purchase and Ownership of Equipment

Tri County Corrections

Agency, Counties or Groups involved in the process:

Polk, Red Lake & Norman County

Why did you collaborate on this effort?

Red Lake, Norman & Polk County joint powers agreement for corrections services, and joint ownership of building.

Keys to success / challenges / lessons learned / advice to others:

Cost effective & more stablility for control of costs, spreading risk, etc.  Determinations made by a joint board comprised of county commissioners from the 3 counties.

What have been the outcomes to-date?

Experienced staff & group of administrators whom offer valuable info, advice, etc.

Resources:

Its been very effective in managing our costs.  Also the counties know from one year to next what costs will be for including in the budget the following year.

Experienced & knowledgable administration out of the Tri Counties Corrections facility in Crookston, MN to guide the 3 counties which are governed by the joint powers board.  Questions can be directed to Susan Mills, Director of Tri-County Corrections in Crookston, MN  218-281-6363

For more information,
please contact:

Red Lake County Auditor