The purchasing agent has the exclusive power to make purchases for any county office or department under the County Purchasing Law of 1957.

Appointment— The county mayor appoints a purchasing agent subject to the approval of the county legislative body. T.C.A. § 5-14-103. The director of accounts and budgets may also serve as purchasing agent.

Qualifications—The purchasing agent must be qualified by training and experience to perform the required duties. T.C.A. §  5-14-103.

Surety Bond—The person appointed as purchasing agent must have a corporate surety bond in an amount not less than $100,000 as established by the county mayor. The premium for the bond is paid from the county general fund. T.C.A. § 5-14-103(c).

Compensation of Purchasing Agent—The salary of the purchasing agent is set annually by the county legislative body. It cannot be in excess of amounts paid to other county officials under T.C.A. §§ 8-24-101 and 8-24-102. T.C.A. § 5-14-103.

Office Space of Purchasing Agent—Necessary office space and equipment for the use of the purchasing agent shall be provided and maintained at the county seat of such county. Such office shall be open for business during the hours observed by other officials of the county government. T.C.A. § 5-14-104.

Personnel—The purchasing agent is empowered, in accordance with such regulations as may be established by the county mayor, to appoint and remove the office assistants, to prescribe their duties, and to fix their salaries within the limits of the annual appropriation. T.C.A. § 5-14-103(e).

Duties of the Purchasing Agent

• Purchase all supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services;
• Arrange for rental of all machinery, buildings, and equipment;
• Transfer materials, supplies, and equipment between county departments; and
• Supervise the central storeroom. T.C.A. § 5-14-105.
• Classify the requirements of the county government for supplies, materials, and equipment;
• Adopt as standards the smallest number of quantities, sizes, and varieties of such supplies, materials, and equipment consistent with the successful operation of the county government; and

• Prepare, adopt and promulgate written specifications describing such standards. In preparation and revision of such standards the purchasing agent shall seek advise, assistance and cooperation of the county departments and agencies to ascertain their precise requirements. T.C.A. § 5-14-112.