Warren approves $430,415 BS&A cloud maintenance contract after council asks city attorney to explore multiyear deal

The Warren City Council on Nov. 18 approved a one‑year $430,415 BS&A Cloud maintenance and support contract, but members also secured a recorded request that the city attorney explore longer‑term contracting options to lock pricing and seek better terms.

Councilman Lafferty raised concerns that invoices were dated Sept. 1 and were being approved retroactively in November, and he urged the city attorney’s office to pursue a multi‑year support and maintenance agreement to obtain more favorable pricing and stability (SEG 1896–1966). Lafferty told colleagues the city is unlikely to abandon BS&A, described the suite as the system staff use across multiple departments, and recommended counsel negotiate 3‑ to 10‑year options to reduce future cost risk.

Councilman Boiecki and other members supported looking at a longer term procurement strategy and suggested the purchasing division consider a longer RFP term to secure better pricing (SEG 1979–1995). The council recorded the amendment to request legal review and then voted to approve the one‑year award.

Purchasing staff presented the motion to award the BS&A Cloud contract (item 13e) for $430,415; the council approved the resolution by roll call (SEG 2041–2063). The council earlier had discussed related transfer and maintenance items (item 13d) that prompted the legal‑review request.

The action formalizes the city’s one‑year service procurement while directing legal staff to report back on multiyear contracting options. The council did not specify a deadline for the attorney’s review; members said they expect the city attorney to negotiate options during the coming year before the contract renewal.