Ravalli County commissioners approved a contract on June 24 for background-check services with TransUnion and instructed staff to execute the version without automatic renewal.

Human-resources staff said the county previously upgraded services from a $75-per-month plan to a $120 plan but did not secure a non-auto-renewal clause; when the contract expired in January 2025 TransUnion defaulted the county back to the $75 tier, generating additional fees. Staff provided both versions of a renewed agreement — with and without auto-renewal — and recommended the board approve the no-auto-renewal option and set internal calendar reminders for future expiration.

A commissioner moved to approve the TransUnion contract without auto-renewal and a second supported the motion. Commissioners asked whether future rate increases would be affected by the renewal choice; staff said the auto-renewal clause would not prevent rate increases but an extended-term commitment could lock in terms differently. The board voted aye and approved the contract, with an effective date noted as July 1 and a 12‑month term in the document.

Staff said if commissioners want a longer-term negotiated rate they could task a commissioner to negotiate terms, but the approved path is the standard 12‑month contract without auto-renewal so the county can exit if needed.