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County declines SentinelOne cybersecurity purchase after IT warns of ongoing monthly costs
Summary
Christy informed commissioners that IT recommended against using the SentinelOne cybersecurity product sought under a grant because the county would face recurring subscription fees after the grant ends; the board accepted the recommendation.
Daniels County staff reviewed a cybersecurity grant intended to procure SentinelOne software but the county’s IT consultant recommended not implementing that product because the grant would not cover ongoing subscription costs.
Christy told commissioners the county’s IT company advised against the purchase because, after grant funds are exhausted, continuing updates and threat protection would require a monthly charge the county would have to absorb. “Our IT company does not recommend that we use it,” Christy said.
Commissioners agreed with the staff recommendation to decline using that specific product under the grant and to explore other options or configurations that would not impose unsustainable recurring costs on the county.
Why it matters: Cybersecurity protections are important for county systems but recurring license and maintenance costs can create unsustainable operating expenses when external grants end. The board’s decision prevents an immediate subscription cost from becoming a county obligation without planned funding.
What’s next: Staff will explore alternate cybersecurity options or grant conditions that avoid future monthly fees, and will bring recommendations back to the commission.
