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Cramerton proposes Black Mountain finance software after audit returns $1.2–$1.3M to fund balance
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Summary
Town Manager Zach Ollis reported the recent audit freed $1.2–$1.3 million for potential uses and proposed purchasing Black Mountain financial software (first-year cost $41,700; $23,000 annual maintenance), along with smaller projects like flags and a website refresh; staff will check contract terms and return with details.
Town Manager Zach Ollis told the Board of Commissioners that a favorable audit allowed the town to restore approximately $1.2 to $1.3 million to its fund balance and presented near-term spending priorities.
Ollis proposed purchasing a new financial software package from Black Mountain to resolve payroll and finance issues, prioritizing core functionality first. He said the package would cost $41,700 in the first year, with an ongoing maintenance fee of about $23,000 annually. Assistant Town Manager Josh Watkins clarified the town treats the ongoing cost as a maintenance fee (not a subscription) and that maintenance includes upgrades. Town Attorney Karen Wolter advised that fees will be governed by the master services agreement and that there may be contractual caps on increases; Manager Ollis said he would check contract length and pricing guarantees.
Ollis said the town has pared the request to essential functions needed to ensure payroll and finance reliability; optional features such as a permit portal could be added later. He also listed two smaller uses proposed from the audit funds: a roughly $9,000 flag project to install flags around downtown and the town perimeter, and a $6,000 website refresh. The board requested that the flag plan include the full perimeter after residents asked for broader coverage.
Commissioners also reported other grant successes and community projects tied to the town’s outreach and grant-seeking efforts. Commissioner Dixie Abernathy noted Gaston County Administration provided a $5,000 grant to the Cramerton Historical Society to fund 4th-grade field trips (10 schools signed up); Commissioner Jennifer Ramsey reported a $7,500 grant for a community story walk. Mayor Nelson Wills asked staff to prepare budget recommendations and to verify contract terms so the board can act quickly during the budget cycle.
No formal procurement or purchase was approved at the workshop; staff will return with contract details, price guarantees (if any), and implementation timelines before any binding commitment.