IT issues addressed by commissioners
Technology questions and updates, covering everything from unpaid IT invoices to a new lease for copiers, was the emphasis of Monday’s business session of the Shackelford County commissioners.
The elected officials met with IT consultant Sam Goldsmith, who first introduced a proposal from Hilliard Office Solutions to replace all owned and older leased copiers and printers at the Courthouse and LEC with leased equipment, except for the three units leased just last year.
The agreement, which is about $500 more a month than the current $781 lease, pays for 10 additional machines and takes care of the growing maintenance costs of failing equipment, as well as providing toner, said Goldsmith.
Although the agreement includes a trade-in for the owned equipment, Don Lewis of Hilliard said that some of the units could be donated to the library if they are better than the equipment that is already there.
The commissioners approved the agreement.
Goldsmith asked commissioners about several IT invoices on which they had withheld payment at a previous meeting, stating that he had then requested an explanation by email so he could research details about the charges before meeting with the officials.
“Basically, I didn’t want to charge you for a trip here, then have to turn around and go back to the office to find the answers,” said Goldsmith. “I do charge you for my time, but you’re only paying when we’re actually working, and I try to be fair. Some things we do at your request; some things we do pro-actively.”
Commissioner Lanham Martin questioned a charge for time spent preparing the IT budget.
“I think you’re doing a great job, but when you charge us to tell us what you’re going to charge us for next year, I have a problem with that,” said Martin.
Eventually, the commissioners agreed to pay the $990 in outstanding bills to Goldsmith Solutions.
Other Business
•An interlocal contract with the Texas Department of Information Resources was approved for an Elections System Security Assessment.
•The issue of how to provide transportation for workers from the Walker-Sayle Unit was tabled until the next meeting or until the contract with Walker-Sayle has been finalized.
•John Tate requested that the county purchase a $250 annual membership from the Leon Bosque RC&D Council, which is no longer funded by the government, but which still provides communities with free services such as tire disposal and trash pickup. The request was approved.
•During a formal IT update, Goldsmith advised adding an employee policy about the use of technology and social media.
•The treasurer’s report for January was approved.
