The Board approved a contract with CBTS LLC (DBA CBTS Technology Solutions LLC) to provide consulting and phone services to Lorain County Child Support Enforcement, with a one-time charge of $8,250 and monthly fees of $1,805.56 not to exceed $29,916.72 charged to the child support funds account.

Chris Cabot, director of Job and Family Services and of the child support enforcement agency, said the county’s previous system would have required a $30,000 upgrade, a $100,000 one-year software-assurance fee, a five-year subscription commitment and a $30,000 annual fee, producing roughly $160,000 in first-year costs. By contrast, Cabot said the new vendor’s first-year cost (including startup equipment charges) will be about $34,000, yielding approximately $130,000 in first-year savings compared with the old plan. Cabot said the vendor works with the state and will provide updated features, screen captures, training and similar functionality to county offices.

Cabot singled out Child Support Enforcement Administrator Amy Price for her role in negotiating the contract. Commissioners approved the contract by recorded vote.