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IT director says county can cut server costs by building replacement in-house
Summary
Saul, Lincoln County’s IT director, told commissioners he expects software licensing and ISP costs to rise but intends to build a replacement NAS server in-house for about $3,500–$4,000 versus a vendor quote of $14,000–$18,000, with a planned completion this winter and a projected three-year life remaining for current equipment.
Saul, the county’s IT director, told commissioners the department had tried to hold baseline budgets steady but has experienced higher costs for Microsoft licensing and internet-service providers.
"Microsoft licensing went up," Saul said, and the department has also absorbed higher ISP fees. He said the department’s supply line stands at roughly $95,000 in the proposed budget.
Saul outlined a plan to replace the county’s aging data server. He said the existing server has been patched with new parts but is nearing the end of its useful life. Saul said a vendor-built system would be quoted at roughly $14,000 to $18,000, whereas he believes he can assemble a functional NAS (network-attached storage) system for about $3,500 to $4,000 by transferring serviceable components from the old server and purchasing only the parts he needs.
"Instead of a new server being between 14 and $18,000, I think I can price one about 3,500 to four grand," Saul said, adding that he plans to build it himself and expects to complete the transition during the winter, with a functional deadline around November or December. He estimated the current system will likely last about three more years if maintained.
Why it matters: Replacing an aging data server is a routine capital decision for county IT infrastructure, but Saul’s plan would reduce immediate capital outlay by several thousand dollars if the county accepts his in-house approach. Commissioners and staff discussed compatibility, licensing, and the operational trade-offs of a do-it-yourself install versus a vendor-built system.
Saul said the proposed new system would use a NAS architecture that avoids a Microsoft server license, reducing ongoing licensing costs and update-related problems the county has experienced. He also noted that by building the system in-house he can phase purchases and extend available funds across the fiscal year.
The board thanked Saul for the forward planning; the hearing then moved on to the Treasurer’s budget presentation.
