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Washington County IT committee backs AI phone bot trial for DSS and warns software costs are shifting to subscriptions
Summary
CIO Teri McNall told the Washington County Information Technology Committee on June 23 that she supports AI software for the Department of Social Services, including a proposed phone BOT, and warned that most software is now purchased as subscriptions—moving costs from capital to operating budgets.
At its June 23 meeting the Washington County Information Technology Committee discussed planned uses of artificial intelligence and forthcoming budget implications for IT.
County Treasurer Al Nolette asked CIO Teri McNall what she sees as hurdles for 2027. McNall said she supports AI software planned by the Department of Social Services and described a proposed phone BOT to handle repetitive tasks: "They are looking to put a phone BOT in place to help with some of their repetitive tasks," she said, adding the county might expand such tools to other departments next year, possibly including the DMV.
McNall also said the county is "also looking into a chatbot on our county website" and emphasized that most software providers have moved to subscription models. She explained this shifts costs from one-time capital purchases to ongoing operating expenses and said she does not expect a major spike in IT spending next year but plans to keep increases between 3% and 5%.
On shared services she said negotiations with towns remain active and that shared services remain a possible cost-control option. No formal budget decisions or votes were recorded at the meeting; these issues were reported as part of the CIO’s update and will be considered in next year’s budget process.
