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Board authorizes County Administrator to pursue Avenity contract for tax offices, pending attorney review
Summary
After committee review and staff discussion about compatibility problems with Edmunds financial software, the Board authorized the County Administrator to execute an Avenity contract for the Commissioner of Revenue and Treasurer's offices, subject to final County Attorney review and staff meetings with Avenity.
The Smyth County Board on May 28 authorized the County Administrator to execute a contract with Avenity for financial software associated with the Commissioner of Revenue and Treasurer’s offices, contingent on final County Attorney review.
Commissioner of Revenue Bradley Powers told the Board his office and the Treasurer have experienced integration problems with Edmunds, including inability to automatically post ACH payments and vehicle miscategorization that could trigger DMV audits. He said Avenity — software developed "by and for Commissioners and Treasurers in Virginia" — could improve automation, mailing accuracy and online payment options. Treasurer Tom Burkett also recommended Avenity based on other locality experience.
County IT staff and County Attorney Scot Farthing raised concerns about cloud-hosting liability and contract terms. Mr. Farthing told the Board he analyzed the contract for county liability and noted potential exposures; County Administrator Shawn Utt said IT recommended the vendor accept liability for cloud hosting risks when possible and arranged a staff meeting with Avenity to address technical questions prior to formal approval. The Board voted to authorize execution of the contract subject to the County Attorney's final review; Chair Charles Atkins cast a recorded 'no' on the authorization vote.
What happens next: County staff will meet with Avenity representatives to determine technical capabilities and liability terms, the County Attorney will finalize legal review, and staff will return to the Board with a contract for signature if concerns are resolved.
