The South Charleston City Council voted to award a contract for tax, licensing and permitting software to OpenGov, approving $102,313.03 for the first year and an annual software fee of $51,997.18 with a 5% annual increase through June 30, 2030. Council members said the purchase is timed to support business-license renewals planned for May.

The finance committee presented the recommendation at the meeting and urged swift approval so the software could be implemented ahead of the licensing cycle. "After careful consideration, [the finance committee] is the recommendation of finance committee to award the following bid, OpenGov city tax license, MSF, and permitting software, $102,313.03 for the first year," the finance committee representative stated during the meeting.

Council discussion highlighted operational gaps with the city's prior billing systems. An unidentified staff presenter said the proposed platform would allow businesses to "go online," submit paperwork and apply for permits electronically, easing payments and administrative processing. Council members cited past problems with earlier billing software that could not accept zero returns, which made tracking filings and generating accurate reports difficult.

The motion to award the contract was moved and seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. Council members called during the roll — including Councilman Stirloff, Councilwoman Marker, Councilman Lilly, Councilman Reimer, Councilwoman Walker and Mayor Molly — each answered "yes." The council recorded the award as approved and indicated the purchase will be paid from the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget.

No formal amendments to the award were offered during the meeting. The council did not specify contract start dates or vendor performance metrics at the meeting; those details were not provided in the discussion and were recorded as not specified.