McDonald County approves $100 monthly per-department increase for Stronghold Data cybersecurity services

McDonald County commissioners voted Nov. 17 to approve a $100-per-department monthly increase to services provided by vendor Stronghold Data, citing the need to bolster cybersecurity protections for county systems.

Avion Bryant, identified in the minutes as a representative for Stronghold Data, told the commission that "in the last four years there has been no increase to McDonald County services with them," and described proposed additional security measures for departments the vendor manages. Presiding Commissioner Bryan Hall moved to approve the rate change, saying the "cost increase is necessary to protect cyber risk assessments." Western Commissioner Rick Lett seconded the motion and the minutes record that "all were in favor," approving the measure.

County Clerk Jessica Cole said the county will perform a cybersecurity assessment in February "in order to properly weigh the risks when seeking Cyber Security Liability Protection," according to the minutes. Stronghold Data will implement security upgrades under the existing service relationship with the county.

The commission also invoked and later closed a closed session during the meeting. At 9:17 a.m. Eastern Commissioner Jamey Cope moved to enter closed session citing RsMo 610.021.3; the minutes record that Commissioners reconvened open session at 10:21 a.m. after Western Commissioner Rick Lett moved to end the closed session.

Later that morning, commissioners conducted a walkthrough of a completed foundation repair project at the Collector’s building. The meeting adjourned and the commission scheduled reconvening on Nov. 19, 2025.