Public health staff told commissioners they will place a request for proposals on the consent agenda to identify a vendor to build a new food-safety program module. The project is funded by a recent public health infrastructure grant, and staff described the current system as an unstable Access database that can no longer be updated.

The new system, staff said, would provide a modern user interface for restaurants and customers, enable online applications and payments, and support more timely inspections. Staff asked the board to approve the RFP so they can solicit vendor responses and analyze costs.

Commissioners responded positively to the proposal and staff said they anticipate the upgrade will increase efficiency for inspectors and restaurants while reducing maintenance risk from the aging database.