Saying the days of infighting are over, Hillsborough County commissioners approved the joint purchase of a major software operating system with the city of Tampa Wednesday.

Commissioners unanimously approved the $34.2 million purchase of the Oracle software system that will power work in the areas of budgeting, finance and human resources. The Tampa City Council takes up the agreement Thursday.

For years, Hillsborough County has been known more for having an acrimonious relationship with leaders of its major city.

"This is probably one of the most important and historic events in our local government since it's founding," said Sharpe, in a minor fit of hyperbole. "I hope it's the first step toward further collaboration."

City and county officials have said they are in talks to merge aspects of their offices dealing with minority and small-business contracting, purchasing and fleet maintenance.