LaMATS Board Recognitions and the LACPC’s Inaugural Meeting

Early Wednesday at LMA’s Mid-Winter Conference, the LaMATS Board of Directors held its 1st Quarter, 2022, business meeting. Immediately afterward, the LaMATS-administered Louisiana Cooperative Purchasing Commission (LACPC) held its first-ever member meeting.

Following regular staff and consultant reports, LaMATS Board President Mayor Chuck Robichaux of Rayne gratefully recognized the exceptional dedication and support of members Mayor Michael Chauffe of Grosse Tete, Mayor Harry Lewis of Rayville, and Mayor Jimmy Williams of Sibley, with commemorative covers of the LMA Municipal Review.

Launched in 2021, the LACPC, a participant-directed cooperative joint commission allowing Louisiana municipalities and local political subdivisions to cooperate in the purchasing of materials and supplies, held its first-ever business meeting. LaMATS Procurement Consultant and LACPC Administrator, Paul Holmes, presided. Nearly all of the current 22 Commission members were represented.

Holmes listed the cooperatively bid contracts for important municipal services and products the Commission has secured over the LACPC’s first year of operation. These include police body cameras; firefighting apparatus; mobile restroom trailer facilities; office copiers and supplies; street sweepers; motorized work carts; roller mowers; grapple trucks; sports venue bleachers, and more. All Louisiana local governments are welcome to take advantage of these contracts and request others.

LaMATS Executive Director, Cliff Palmer, addressed the group, calling the LACPC “a significant step forward” in local government procurement, soon to be well-known as a key partner to municipal leaders across the state. “The LACPC will change the way purchasing is done by municipalities,” he said, noting that the structure of the Commission allows it to operate without any changes to established bid laws.

For more information about the LACPC and the benefits of membership, click here.