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Cass County IT outlines phone-system refresh, automation and cybersecurity steps
Summary
County IT presented a plan to replace many desk phones with computer-based headsets, described procurement and training plans, reported rising phishing incidents, and flagged an upcoming GIS security update in February.
IT staff briefed commissioners on a multi-part technology program that includes replacing many analog desk phones with a computer-based phone environment, an equipment refresh for county devices, and a series of staff training sessions.
The IT presenter said roughly three‑quarters of phones will move to computer‑based headsets, with a smaller number of desk phones retained for fixed locations such as jail pods and conference rooms. "Final total handset count ... 80. 45 of those are at the jail," the presenter said, and noted the county historically maintained around 450 total lines.
Procurement steps included a vendor selection and a first‑year software purchase obtained with a one‑time discount; staff said the county followed procurement policy and that a vendor offered a Black Friday discount of about $4,000 off. The county plans three in‑person training sessions to help staff adapt to the new phone software and will record those sessions for future onboarding.
IT also described efforts to speed device imaging and automation to reduce repetitive ticketing tasks; the presenter said imaging time has fallen from more than a day to roughly three hours for standard machines, but noted exceptions for some specialized applications. Ticket volume averages around 24 per day, and phishing and business‑email‑compromise incidents are increasing. The county is completing its cyber‑insurance renewal with MMA and will push a GIS system upgrade in February to remain compatible with partner agencies.
No formal procurement action was taken at the meeting; staff said they will return with final quotes and scheduling information as plans are completed.
