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Cooke County weighs large IT and EMS costs; approves limited EMS equipment while shopping server and hosting options
Summary
Commissioners heard IT quotes for a NetData server and a large website host price increase, directed staff to seek alternatives, and approved a smaller EMS equipment package while postponing ambulance/rescue vehicle purchases.
Cooke County’s July 13 Commissioners Court session devoted substantial time to technology and emergency‑services procurement after IT and EMS staff presented new cost estimates.
IT director Daryl reported that vendor responses indicate the NetData suite requires an IBM server platform and that replacement quotes are in the $106,000–$113,000 range. Daryl told the court he would pursue follow‑up questions about spare parts availability and delivery lead times. "All NetData products require the IBM server platform," he said, and explained he had not yet received a clear answer on whether spare parts could safely extend current operations.
Daryl also said the county’s web‑hosting vendor, Sierra, notified the county of an increase from $1,550 per year to $9,550 per year, plus a one‑time migration fee around $16,000 to move to the vendor’s new platform. Commissioners instructed staff to solicit competitive hosting quotes and to budget for a potential hit to the IT operating budget while noting Sierra’s existing service and support.
EMS staff presented a multi‑year mileage and maintenance analysis of the ambulance fleet, showing higher repair costs on older units and identifying the lead time for new rescue vehicles as a key procurement constraint. Commissioners agreed to postpone buying a new ambulance and a new rescue truck in the current budget cycle, citing long manufacturing lead times and fiscal constraints, but they approved a limited package of equipment to keep front‑line units operational: one Lucas power‑load system and two stair/strap chairs, among other smaller items. The court also accepted grant and insurance proceeds where applicable to offset some vehicle maintenance needs.
Why it matters: IT infrastructure and hosting cost changes can create recurring budget pressure and affect county uptime and citizen access to services. EMS fleet purchases and equipment decisions directly affect response capability and are sensitive to lead times. Commissioners balanced those operational needs against current revenue uncertainty and agreed to return with more detailed quotes and timeline proposals.
What’s next: IT will shop additional server and hosting options and return with firm quotes; EMS will coordinate grant and remount schedules for the two incoming units in 2027–28 and proceed with ordered equipment installations.
