Oct 17, 2019.  COUNTY NEWS:   county considering new financial system

The Brown County Council will hear a presentation from Low Associates about switching its financial system at the Oct. 21 meeting.

The price tag on the switch is around $105,000, but Auditor Julia Reeves said it would ultimately save the county money on yearly maintenance. Currently, the county uses Harris for its financial system and pays $26,500.95 a year for maintenance along with extra money for additional licenses. Former Auditor Beth Mulry had purchased three additional licenses for $1,350 because employees kept getting kicked out of the system when too many people were on it, Reeves said.

“With Low, you don’t have that issue. There’s no need for licenses. It’s not required,” she said.

Under the Low contract, yearly maintenance would be $24,000.

Reeves said that neither her office or Harris can find the current contract for their services. The council will look into where the money for the initial contract startup would come from, but Reeves said Low would allow for the county to make three payments toward the $105,000. If a commitment is made before the end of October, Low will give a $20,000 discount.

The treasurer’s office would also switch to Low. Reeves had a letter from Treasurer Mary Smith stating she was also in agreement with the switch.

The new contract would have to be approved by the commissioners.