County evaluates web and PDF accessibility tools to meet DOJ/ADA guidance

County staff warned commissioners that recent Department of Justice guidance and accessibility enforcement around WCAG requirements will require updates to web content and mobile applications. The county's options included a site‑level accessibility widget (contrast/font controls) and a PDF accessibility conversion tool. Staff reported a vendor quote of roughly $35,610 for the combined solution (pro‑rated options discussed) and said implementation could be done in a matter of days once purchased.

Commissioners asked for legal review and for staff to confirm whether the April compliance timeline is firm or likely to be extended. One commissioner suggested starting with internal PDF fixes where feasible; staff said the vendor tools would automate conversion of PDFs and provide an accessible interface while the county assesses longer‑term options.

"If we spend $25, we better be compliant," a commissioner said, summarizing the expectation that purchased tools must deliver the required accessibility outcome. The board requested a budget recommendation and vendor comparison at the next work session.