Highway department to buy mapping-based work-order software to track maintenance requests

Becker County’s highway department received board approval to purchase a web-based, map-oriented work-management system to document and track maintenance requests, equipment usage and inventory.

Highway Superintendent Jim (last name not provided in the record) told commissioners the system creates location-based work orders that staff can enter from tablets or phones and that residents could use an online customer module to report potholes, downed trees and similar issues. The vendor included a promotional half-price implementation discount and a tablet for field use as part of the package.

The software is subscription-based and was approved at up to $5,300 for the initial purchase and first-year implementation. Jim said the program would help the department document response timelines, record materials and labor for specific repairs, and create an auditable trail in case of accidents or follow-ups. He said it would also allow supervisors to assign and track work more efficiently.

Commissioners urged staff to coordinate with information-technology personnel on web integration and asked for a follow-up report after a year to verify adoption and public use. The board approved the expenditure by voice vote; commissioners asked for a usage update to ensure the system is actively used rather than shelved.

The highway department said the system could also help with inventory management and produce better cost documentation for maintenance activities; the vendor estimated the subscription fee based on county population and expected usage.