County approves landscaping contract, court-system implementation services and new pothole patcher

The Ellis County Commissioners Court approved multiple purchasing items on March 17, including an award for grounds maintenance, authorization to engage Barry Dunn for system implementation work, and purchase of a DuraPatcher pothole patcher for Road & Bridge Precinct 4.

Purchasing Director EJ Harbin said eight bids were received for grounds maintenance and staff recommended award to Harrison Sons Quality Lawn Care LLC of Midlothian. For IT services, Harbin presented a request to engage Barry Dunn for implementation of court case management, jury selection, and land and vital records systems with a total implementation cost estimated at $904,775. David Wasson of Barry Dunn described a 16-month project starting no later than April 1 and said negotiations with vendor Tyler yielded price reductions and expanded migration services.

A commissioner raised concerns about data migration based on past problems; Wasson said Tyler's experience and the incorporation of migration work in the contract reduce the risk. "We're very confident this will be successful," Wasson said. The court approved engaging Barry Dunn and authorized the county judge to execute contract documents as appropriate. The court also approved purchase of a DuraPatcher truck-mounted pothole patcher for $134,885 (showing a $14,565 discount via the Sourcewell cooperative contract) for Precinct 4.