What is required for local contracting units to purchase under a county cooperative contract?

For local contracting units to purchase under a county cooperative contract, mutual consent of both the county and the vendor is indeed a requirement. This means that a partnership and agreement must exist between the county and the vendor to facilitate the buying process. This ensures that both parties have agreed to the terms of the contract and understand their obligations.

The cooperative purchasing process is designed to achieve efficiencies and economies of scale, benefiting local units by leveraging the collective buying power of the county. This mutual consent is crucial because it ensures that the vendor is willing to enter into agreements with local units and that the county has designated the specific terms under which their cooperative contract may be utilized.

In contrast, other options such as county tax approval, a public referendum, or the approval of all local governing bodies do not directly relate to the mechanics of using a county cooperative contract for purchasing. Specifically, these options do not have the same level of importance in establishing a valid purchasing agreement under the cooperative contract framework. Mutual consent is a fundamental element that directly impacts the legality and validity of the purchase under the established cooperative contract.