EAST CHICAGO | The city is looking to cut costs by consolidating purchases among all its departments.

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved an agreement Wednesday with an East Chicago firm to create a central purchasing office. Officials believe the office could create big savings on everything from janitorial supplies to computers.

A 1998 agreement permits the coordination of purchasing between the city, the School City and the Public Library, City Controller Charles Pacurar said.

Global Consulting Solutions will be paid up to $70,000 over the next year to set up and implement a central purchasing organization within the city to use the leverage of large-quantity ordering to save the city money.

"The ultimate goal is cost reduction across the board," said Milton Reed Jr., the principal of Global Consulting Solutions and a resident of the city's Sunnyside neighborhood.

Pacurar said he's wanted to create a central purchasing office for years, and with state-mandated reductions in property taxes taking effect next year, now is the time.

"Every city department doesn't need to negotiate its own copy machine contract," Pacurar said.