Board approves $3,495 MS‑ISAC membership to keep cybersecurity services

McLeod County’s information-technology manager, Matt Troska, asked the board to approve an 18‑month membership with the Multi‑State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS‑ISAC) at a cost not to exceed $3,495; the board approved the request on July 15. Troska told commissioners that MS‑ISAC previously received federal funding that covered member services; the organization has moved to a dues model and counties now may be charged. He said McLeod County has benefited from MS‑ISAC services and replacing those services with other paid offerings would cost substantially more than the dues. Commissioner Wright made the motion to approve the 18‑month membership; Commissioner Chesca seconded. After no further discussion, the board voted in favor and the motion carried. Troska said membership will need annual renewal after the initial 18 months if funding does not change. The approved dues will be paid from the information-technology budget and Troska was authorized to sign the agreement electronically.