Katy council hires consultant to review city financial and ERP software

The City of Katy approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an engagement letter with Plante Moran LLP to assess the city’s enterprise resource planning software and recommend procurement and implementation steps.

Councilmember Andrew (staff member) introduced the item and described concerns with the city’s current software, saying he had viewed vendor demonstrations and “there appears to be much better out there.” He said the engagement would help ensure the city’s procurement reaches qualified vendors, avoids “settling for the best sales pitch,” and identifies process and structure changes needed to support a modern ERP.

Natalie Schwartz, principal in Plante Moran’s government management consulting practice, told the council the firm conducts needs assessments, writes requirements and RFPs, evaluates vendors, and can support contract negotiation and implementation. “We start with something called a needs assessment where we meet with all of your departments and understand your pain points,” Schwartz said, adding the firm can also recommend process and policy changes to accompany software selection.

Andrew said the city’s new IT director, Anthony Bohn, supports the review; Bohn was mentioned during the discussion but did not provide remarks on the record. After brief questions from council about the scope — whether the work would cover process change as well as software selection — Councilmember Roy Robertson moved the resolution and Councilmember Dan Smith seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

The council identified the source of funds for the engagement as American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) earned interest and noted the contract will be awarded through TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System), contract number 230601. Plante Moran’s presentation included examples of recent Texas municipal ERP engagements and emphasized continuity of consultant staffing through selection and implementation.

Next steps described by staff and the consultant included a multi-department needs assessment, development of baseline software requirements, an RFP aligned with the city’s procurement rules, and assistance during vendor evaluations and contract negotiation. No vote or commitment to select or implement a given system was made during the meeting; the engagement itself is limited to consulting and selection support.

Votes and formal paperwork recorded at the meeting indicate the council approved the engagement and related resolution by unanimous vocal vote.