The Owen County Board of Commissioners approved a 2026 service, support and maintenance agreement with Lau Associates for county financial, payroll and tax systems after an account of vendor responsiveness and a note that the proposed fee is lower than last year.

Auditor/finance staff described the package as including onboarding, attendance and payroll modules and said the system improves productivity in the auditor's office. "They do our financials. They do our payroll. They do our tax system," a staff member said, recommending the county continue the relationship.

Commissioners discussed price and timing and, after confirming the county will be covered through January, voted to accept the Lau Associates agreement. Sheila (auditor staff referenced in the discussion) later noted the fee was about $4,000 less than last year. The motion to accept Lau's bid passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the county's financial and payroll systems are core administrative infrastructure; board action continued vendor support for county operations.

Ending: Staff said they will finalize the support agreement and ensure departments complete any necessary onboarding.