County okays new IT vendor
By Melinda L. Lucas
Shackelford County commissioners voted unanimously to change IT vendors after reviewing three bids opened at a previous meeting.
Sealed bids were received from Computer Transition Services Inc. (CTSI), Tolar Systems, and Goldsmith Solutions on Feb. 24, and elected officials met individually with representatives of the companies last week.
After discussion, the commissioners opted to accept the low bid of $6,664 per month from CTSI.
Before the vote, county judge Robert Skelton summarized the bids, explaining that the commissioners had requested a fixed rate rather than hourly rates from each vendor.
“Each company brought a lot to the table,” commented Skelton. “It is our job to decide on the lowest and best proposal.”
CTSI had recommended that the county purchase its own firewall at a cost of about $5,700, which was included in a one-time transition charge of $12,892.
After that charge, the monthly rate would be $6,664, according to the bid, with a consultant on site one day every month.
CTSI, based in Lubbock, has IT experience with 11 other Texas counties.
Goldsmith Solutions, who has been Shackelford County’s IT vendor for several years, submitted a bid of $9,575 monthly with a $500 reduction if auto-pay was utilized, including two on-site days per month.
Tolar Systems bid a fixed rate of $7,358/month with eight hours on site.
Along with others, Tolar serves the City of Albany and Shackelford County Hospital District, but does not have any county clients.
“Sam (Goldsmith) has done a good job for us, and this is not an easy decision,” said commissioner Steve Riley. “I don’t have a lot of IT knowledge, but my responsibility to the taxpayers is to make the best decision I can make.”
Cody Jordan made the motion to accept CTSI’s bid, which passed unanimously.
Other Business
•Action regarding a request for a monthly donation to the senior activity center was tabled.
•An agreement with Hamby Water Corporation was approved to provide water for the new election building in Precinct 4.
