County IT Director outlines budget proposals including software upgrades and cost savings

Cooke County officials are gearing up for a significant budget year as they discuss essential technology upgrades and operational needs during the recent Special Commissioners Court meeting. A key focus of the budget hearings was the proposed increase in funding for computer maintenance, which is set to rise by $10,000 due to a projected 12% increase in costs for the county's vital Net Data software. This software is crucial for managing financial records, payroll, and court documentation, underscoring its importance in the county's daily operations.

The county currently spends approximately $109,000 annually on this software, and the increase will bring the total to about $122,000. Officials emphasized that despite the cost hike, the county's daily operational expenditure remains competitive compared to larger counties.

In addition to the software costs, the budget discussions included a request for $50,000 to fund various technology projects, contingent on approval from the court. Among these projects is the implementation of NinjaOne Patch Management Software, which would allow for centralized control over computer updates, a necessity for compliance with law enforcement regulations. This software is estimated to cost around $4,900 annually for the entire county.

Another proposal involves the introduction of a work ticketing system to streamline IT requests, which would pair with a potential part-time administrative clerk position. This system aims to improve response times for non-emergency IT issues, enhancing overall efficiency.

The budget also addresses the need for updating Adobe Acrobat software across remaining computers, with costs projected at $99 per year per computer for about 20 units. Additionally, there is an ongoing evaluation of cloud storage solutions to reduce the county's current $10,000 annual expenditure, with plans to explore more cost-effective options.

As Cooke County prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, these discussions highlight the importance of investing in technology to ensure efficient operations and compliance with regulatory requirements. The court's decisions in the coming weeks will shape the county's technological landscape and operational capabilities for years to come.