The purchasing division, of the Administrative Sercives Department, works to procure the necessary supplies, equipment, and services at the lowest possible cost consistent with the quality needed to meet the requirements of the departments, and that the taxpayers receive the maximum value for each dollar expended. All qualified vendors are invited to share in the volume of purchases consisting of nearly every conceivable kind of merchandise and service. No political or other prejudicial consideration governs the award of orders or contracts; rather, every purchase is made in the public’s interest providing all vendors a fair and equal opportunity. The city of St. Joseph has a centralized accounts payable system which processes payments of invoices for all city departments.