Adams County IT proposes cloud-first shift, AI pilot staff to support 2026 budget
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Summary
The county's Information Technology & Innovation (ITI) department outlined a 2026 budget request focused on moving services to cloud-based subscription models, expanding broadband fiber east of I‑76, and creating staff capacity for AI/data governance and an ERP migration study.
Jason Schultz, director of Information Technology & Innovation, presented the department’s 2026 budget and priorities to the Adams County Board of Commissioners, proposing a cloud-first shift, expanded broadband to eastern communities, and staff to develop a data and AI governance framework.
Schultz said the department is moving from capital-heavy, on-premises systems toward software-as-a-service and managed services, with increased subscription costs for Microsoft Copilot, Salesforce, Esri and other enterprise applications. He told commissioners that Microsoft licensing baseline costs rose from about $1.2 million to roughly $2.8 million under an annual subscription model and that overall software subscription spending is expected to rise about 35% for 2026.
The IT team also proposed a $6 million capital project to extend fiber to Bennett, Strasburg and Flat Rock over a multi-year plan, prioritizing east-of-I‑76 locations with the goal of enabling additional internet service providers to use county infrastructure. Deputy division director Jeremy King said about 80% of the capital ask would go to the Strasburg segment and discussed early talks with private ISPs and federal BEAD grant applicants as possible partners to offset costs. Commissioners recommended outreach to CDOT, railroad partners and USDA for additional grant and permitting opportunities.
On staffing and operations, the department requested one additional full-time project manager to handle a growing portfolio (about 84 active projects, 35 in execution) and to reduce the number of projects assigned to each project manager. Schultz also asked for a multi‑position build-out for data/AI work: a data architect, an AI architect/data scientist, a data services manager, and a data warehouse developer; four new FTEs aimed at building a data-as-a-service capability and an AI/data governance framework. Schultz said the county already has roughly 100 pilot Copilot licenses for Microsoft and will hold an October 15 study session on AI policy.
Schultz described a two-phase plan for ERP (JD Edwards) modernization: first, lift JD Edwards into Oracle’s cloud to remove aging on‑premises infrastructure; second, start a multiyear study (estimated $60,000 in 2026) to document requirements and assess replacement options. He emphasized discovery and business-process documentation to avoid disrupting operations.
Commissioners and staff pressed on subscription cost drivers, fiber partnerships and timeline for BEAD and other grants. Schultz said he would pursue vendor and regional partners and return with additional business cases if required. The board asked IT to continue coordinating with county procurement, CDOT, and regional ISPs as planning progresses.
Ending
ITI’s 2026 plan centers on shifting the county to subscription and managed services, investing in broadband to underserved eastern neighborhoods, and creating governance and staffing to manage data and AI initiatives. Commissioners said they want additional details on partnerships and costs as budget decisions proceed.