County advertises for IT contract

By Melinda L. Lucas

During their Jan. 27 meeting, Shackelford County commissioners opted not to renew the current IT contract with Goldsmith Solutions and instead seek an alternative type of  agreement with Goldsmith or another Information Technology (IT) consultant.

The current contract, which is based on hourly fees for services, expires March 27.

County judge Robert Skelton outlined a timetable that allows the county to advertise for IT bids starting this week and review any proposals in time to make a decision before the end of March.

“It has become clear that the county wants something different, and that we’re not going to be able to renew the existing contract, that we need to end it and work toward a new agreement,” said Skelton.

Sam Goldsmith, who was present at Monday’s session, agreed that the contract should be revamped to better accommodate the county’s wishes.

Skelton said that legal advisers at the Texas Association of Counties told him that IT services don’t have to go through the competitive bidding process, but because the county officers aren’t considered “IT experts,” there is an alternative to the bidding process.

“It’s not practical to set down specifications because we’re not IT experts,” said Skelton. “This alternative gives the county the ability to set down what our needs are, and let a company come and tell us how they’re going to meet those needs,” said Skelton. “Goldsmith wants a new business model and so does the county.”

Commissioners expect to award a new contract on March 9.

A motion passed unanimously that the original 2014 contract with Goldsmith not be renewed in order to work on a different type of agreement.

Later, the commissioners closed the meeting to discuss details of the contract negotiations, but reopened before any discussion because their attorney was not present.

In addition to other specific components, the notice requires three county references from each bidder.

Waggoner Retirement

Skelton presented a plaque signed by all county officials to DPS trooper Brian Waggoner, who is retiring effective Jan. 31.

A resolution was passed recognizing the officer’s service to the county.

Waggoner started at the DPS Academy in September 2001 after six years experience with Texas Department Criminal Justice. He came to Albany upon graduating in March 2002 and spent his entire career here.

The longtime officer said he and his family plan to continue to live in Albany.

Other Business

•The commissioners reinstated the burn ban, which had been lifted temporarily by the county judge.

•A motion passed allowing county employees to carry concealed weapons as long as they are licensed and have department head approval.

•Molly Sauder was approved as a member of the Shackelford County Historical Commission.