County ends talks with first vendor, moves to Tyler for community development permitting software

IT staff reported that earlier negotiations with the county's first‑ranked vendor for community development/permitting software did not produce a product staff felt could be implemented, and staff recommended terminating those talks and beginning negotiations with the next‑ranked vendor, Tyler Technologies.

"When we began negotiations with that vendor, it really just did not work the way that we had hoped. ... And so this resolution is to begin negotiations with the next highest ranked vendor, which is also Tyler Technologies for their enterprise permitting and licensing software," the IT presenter said. Staff also told the committee the county attorney reviewed the situation and confirmed there was no legal barrier to stopping negotiations because no contract had been signed or awarded.

A board member praised the enhanced memorandum explaining the selection and noted that Iowa procurement law allows exceptions for professional and architectural services when justified. Staff said final contracts will be returned to the board for approval after negotiations.