Columbia County board approves one-year extension to assessor’s Helion software contract after 8% price increase

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on May 21 approved a first amendment to the county’s assessment and taxation software contract with Helion Software, extending an existing agreement and noting an 8% increase in cost from the prior year.

The amendment renews the county’s contract for Helion’s assessment and taxation services after the initial 2024 contract included options for up to two additional extension years. Andrea Jerkowitz, Columbia County assessor, said the motion was a renewal of the existing contract and confirmed the 2024 contract allowed an extension. "It's a renewal of our existing contract with Helion who provides our assessment and taxation software," Jerkowitz said. She also noted "there was an 8% uptick in the cost."

Why it matters: the assessor’s office depends on the vendor for property valuation and tax-roll functions used in county budgeting and taxpayer billing. The board approved the amendment by voice vote during the agreements portion of the meeting.

Board discussion and vote: Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and the contract label year; Jerkowitz confirmed the contract was originally executed in 2024 and the amendment represents one extension year. A board member asked, "Is that despite the fact that you only get to raise 3% on valuation?" and Jerkowitz responded affirmatively that the board would approve the amendment. A motion to approve was made and seconded; the board recorded a voice vote in favor.

What was not decided: The board did not discuss detailed line-item budget offsets or long-term procurement alternatives during the meeting, and no dollar figure for the new annual contract amount was provided on the record beyond the percentage increase.

Next steps: The clerk was authorized to have the chair sign the amendment so Helion’s services may continue under the extended term.