ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608090100
SECTION: DISCOVER ROANOKE VALLEY PAGE: 20 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES TOLLIVER JR. STAFF WRITER
Darwin "Doc" Roupe has been on a shopping spree for 17 years.
Last year alone he spent $32 million. He has bought dump trucks, desks, yellow paint for the streets, even a Biological Aerated Filter Treatment System - a waste water treatment system, in layman's terms - that could cost between $5 million and $11 million.
Looking out his office window at Roanoke's Municipal Building, Roupe pointed to various objects.
"That power line, the flowers, the street light, the trees, were all purchased through this office," Roupe said.
Roupe is Roanoke's manager of supply management. Though his job calls for him to perform a variety of jobs such as preparing budgets and bid specifications for vendors, his primary focus is supplying goods to 52 departments in the city.
"It's really busy. It's probably the busiest office in the city," Roupe said. "Requisitions are coming through here constantly."
A requisition is a five-part purchasing order form used for requesting items. If the item is not in stock, Roupe makes a bid to the suppliers, usually at a reduced rate.
Roupe has negotiated a deal where he's been able to purchase police cars for $1,000 less than the recommended price set by the state. He has bought light bulbs for offices at about 70 percent the regular cost.
Roupe's office helps others outside city government as well.
"We have also given money to the Explore Park, Virginia Western and the West End [youth] center," Roupe said.
Roupe was also instrumental in helping the National D-Day Foundation with one of its major projects.
On Feb. 20, 1996, a time capsule containing artifacts and memorabilia from D-Day was buried in Lee Plaza. One Roanoke veteran said Roupe's dedication and patriotism was the reason for the project's success.
"He was very energetic and interested in getting this project done," said Norman Elmore, a World War II veteran. "He was at every meeting on time and always was so willing to help."
The capsule is scheduled to be opened June 6, 2044 - the 100th anniversary of D-Day.
In the meantime, Roupe remains on the lookout for good deals on stop signs, office supplies and park benches.
"I want to be fair and consistent," Roupe said. "I think that has a lot to do with our success."
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: headshot of Darwin "Doc" Ropupeby CNBSupply manager