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Northampton County to review ClearGov budgeting software; decision tabled pending external review
Summary
County staff presented ClearGov budgeting software with three module options and disclosed pricing. Commissioners asked staff to consult assigned unit‑assistance coaches and auditors; the board voted to table the procurement to the next meeting.
County staff brought forward a proposal to subscribe to ClearGov, a budgeting and financial‑reporting platform, and presented three purchasing options and associated costs.
Ryan Nichols of ClearGov described the software as a digital budget book and modules for personnel budgeting and capital planning, saying the product integrates with Munis and can reduce manual spreadsheet work. He listed the vendor's pricing: a three‑module package with a $11,880 one‑time setup fee, a seven‑month prorated charge of $5,688, and an annual fee of about $26,004; a two‑module option with a $8,415 setup fee and lower annual cost; and a budget‑book‑only option with a $4,950 setup fee and an annual cost near $9,750.
Commissioners asked which option staff recommended; county staff indicated the budget‑book module was the minimum recommendation. Several commissioners raised fiscal‑oversight concerns because the county remains on the state’s "unit assistance list." One commissioner asked whether the county should consult the assigned fiscal coaches and the county auditors before proceeding. Staff said the vendor could wait and that they would reach out to auditors and coaches and return with a recommendation.
Citizen comments during the meeting urged stronger contract negotiations. Jim Nystrom, who identified himself as a retired chief revenue officer and software salesperson, recommended negotiating the prorated months and exploring longer contract terms to obtain additional discounts.
Rather than approve a purchase tonight, the board moved and voted to table the matter to the next regular meeting so staff can get feedback from the county’s coaches and CPA and return with a vetted recommendation.
