Purchasing Director Jaye Latch

Jaye Latch is the Purchasing Director for Smith County. Before joining Smith County on October 1, 2020, Jaye previously served as the Purchasing Agent for the City of Longview. She has a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler and holds the following certifications: Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB). Jaye currently serves as a board member of the Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA) and is the current president of the Public Purchasing Association of East Texas (PPAET).  

The Purchasing Department is a member of the Administrative Services Team of Smith County. The County’s Purchasing Office exists to provide the best service possible to all county departments in a fair and equitable manner and to protect the interests of the Smith County taxpayers in all expenditures. Included in this responsibility is assuring fair and equitable treatment to all vendors without regard to political pressure or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap,  or sex.

Professional Affiliations

In an effort to provide the best possible procurement services for the citizens of Smith County, an exchange of ideas and techniques related to purchasing, administration and best practices is essential. Smith County holds certifications and membership with the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) and the Texas Public Purchasing Association (TxPPA).

Vendor Process and Contact Information

In an effort to provide a fair place for all vendors to do business and to protect our elected officials, Smith County has a no contact clause. It is Smith County’s policy that all vendors interested in doing business with the county must first register with the Smith County Purchasing Director or designee prior to contacting/meeting with any elected official, department head or employee of Smith County. Vendor Registration can be done through utilization of the county’s website and/or contacting the Smith County Purchasing Department directly.

If you have an item or product to sell, call for an appointment or come by the Purchasing Department. Office hours for salesmen wanting to see the purchasing director or staff are by appointment or time available 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This office is closed on weekends and holidays.

Location

Smith County Annex Building
200 E. Ferguson, Suite 414
Tyler, Texas 75702

Phone: (903) 590-4720
Fax: (903) 590-4723

Purchasing Policies and Procedures

• Purchasing Manual 2019 revised 2021
• Standard Purchase Terms and Conditions

Our Mission

Smith County Purchasing Department exists to provide the best service possible to all county departments in a fair and equitable manner and to protect the interests of the Smith County taxpayers in all expenditures.