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Council tables $9,000 iWORKS permitting software purchase amid contract concerns
Summary
Council members voted to table a planned $9,000 purchase of iWORKS permitting and codes software after staff and legal counsel flagged rigid termination terms, pricing/renewal questions and requested references and demo follow‑ups.
The Harriman City Council on April 7 delayed a decision on buying iWORKS permitting and codes software after extended questions about contract terms and implementation.
Staff member Nathan summarized vendor options and said the city tested a "sandbox" account. Nathan and legal counsel told the council that the vendor’s standard service agreement included a three‑year termination provision and that the seller would not easily modify that language. "They won't budge on the term," Nathan said, describing the vendor's stance and noting the city had asked for one‑ and two‑year alternatives.
Council members pressed for comparables, references and clarity on pricing after the initial implementation cost of $1,000 and an annual fee of about $8,000 were discussed. City staff estimated potential annual permit revenue between $75,000 and $125,000 if the city takes permitting in‑house, but several members said they wanted clearer figures and a demonstration in another municipality before committing.
Legal counsel recommended additional review of the termination clause and other contract language. Several council members described the vendor’s Friday deadline for a pricing commitment as a sales tactic and urged more time to check references and contract language. After discussion a motion to table the purchase until the next meeting was made and carried on a roll call vote.
The council did not reject the software outright; staff said a time‑limited discount was available if the city committed quickly. The item was tabled so staff can obtain comparables, clarify renewal and price‑increase mechanics, and gather references from other cities using the software.
