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Willows council keeps Tyler Technologies billing module, votes to continue implementation
Summary
After debate over staffing and transition timelines, the council voted 3–0 to continue funding the Tyler Technologies utility-billing module and to task staff with exploring in-house handling of commercial accounts; officials cited a potential $30,000 cost to terminate immediately versus an estimated $38,566 to continue this fiscal year.
The Willows City Council on July 28 voted to continue funding the Tyler Technologies utility-billing module and to pursue filling a part-time utility-biller position in future as needed. The action followed staff testimony that terminating the contract immediately would still cost the city roughly $30,000 for the required four-week notice, while continuing – including licensing and training for FY 2026–27 – would push the year's expense to about $38,566.
"If you back out tonight, you will spend $30,000," City Manager Marty Brown said, summarizing termination costs tied to the contract's cancellation period. Brown told the council that Cal Water has informed staff it intends to discontinue commercial billing and is preparing a transition letter; the draft included a June 30, 2027 target for ending commercial billing but staff said the company may offer a longer transition if needed.
Council members framed the choice as a fiscal and operational trade-off: Vice Mayor Thomas said spending the smaller recurring licensing fee now would avoid wasting prior investment, while some speakers in public comment urged greater transparency about the total number of commercial accounts and precise implementation costs. The council's motion (as amended) directs staff to maintain the current implementation schedule for the Tyler module during any contractual cancellation period and to return with details about whether in-house staff can accommodate commercial accounts without the part-time hire. The vote was 3–0 in favor of continuing the module.
