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Board directs staff to proceed with IT modernization, server consolidation, backups and computer‑leasing plan
Summary
Clear Creek County commissioners gave staff direction during a Sept. 16 work session to proceed with an IT infrastructure modernization plan that includes server consolidation, cloud backups, Starlink service for remote sites, Active Directory consolidation, multi‑factor authentication and a phased computer‑leasing program to replace aging PCs.
County IT staff briefed the Board of County Commissioners during a Sept. 16 work session on a multi‑year plan to modernize Clear Creek County's information technology infrastructure and to normalize replacement of aging user devices.
The plan described a move away from a complex, over‑provisioned server and storage architecture toward a simplified configuration with fewer servers, consolidated network directories and off‑site cloud backups (the vendor discussed for cloud backups was Wasabi). Staff said the county has already replaced four servers this year and plans to migrate remaining county servers before the end of the month, enabling retirement of legacy SANs and tape backups.
Staff described several operational efforts to improve reliability in outlying sites: switching the transfer station to a Starlink satellite connection to reduce repeated outages from a local cable provider, examining similar options for EMS Station 1 in the Dumont area and pursuing grant opportunities for broadband improvements in unserved areas.
On cybersecurity and accounts, staff said they have consolidated multiple Active Directory instances down from 16 to four and plan further consolidation to enable multi‑factor authentication for users. They also reported 15 firewalls are approaching end of life and will need replacement as part of the modernization.
To address aging user devices, staff proposed a phased leasing program to replace desktops and laptops in four batches of roughly 50 devices over 48 months. Staff reported 245 active machines countywide with a total replacement cost of about $367,000; the leasing scenario described would cost about $320,000 over 48 months (about $80,000 per year) and would normalize replacement cycles and warranties. Staff told the board that replacing all legacy infrastructure with a new simplified architecture could save approximately $675,000 over a five‑year life cycle versus replacing like‑for‑like.
Commissioners asked questions about Starlink contracting, broadband alternatives (T‑Mobile 5G, private fiber providers), and whether leased devices would appear in divisional budgets; staff proposed that lease payments be coded to the divisions that use the devices to increase transparency.
Board direction: Commissioners signaled support to proceed with the proposed infrastructure changes, the phased leasing approach and to pursue grants for broadband improvements. No formal binding contract was approved at the meeting; the board provided direction to continue implementation planning and budgeting.
Why it matters: The county's IT modernization affects cybersecurity resilience, continuity of operations for emergency services and the user experience for staff and residents. The plan aims to reduce long‑term maintenance liabilities and to budget IT costs more transparently.
Next steps: Staff will continue server migrations, finalize backup configurations, prepare procurement options for device leasing and review Starlink/third‑party contracting with the county attorney's office as requested by the board.
