By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Many Barton County departments utilize the same software, making it a vital component of day-to-day operations. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, County Administrator Matt Patzner asked the board to renew the contract to use the software for $47,800.
"In 2013, the county purchased a commercial software package from Computer Information Concepts, Inc. (CIC)," he said. "The software includes tax administration, budgetary/fund accounting, indexing, imaging, payroll, personnel, and time and attendance tracking. Added since that time are portals for the treasurer and the appraiser's office."
Commission Chairwoman Barb Esfeld pointed out that not many companies offer the complete package available with the Peopleware software. Patzner said that could change in the near future.
"From what I can see, there are companies that might provide pieces of this, but currently I don't believe anybody has developed the entire package where it would all integrate together," he said. "It sounds like that's being developed and there may be some competitors in the market."
The current contract expires Thursday, so Tuesday's approval of the contract for 2024 will allow county operations to continue as normal. The 2024 cost is $75 less than the county paid last year.
"I think their software is really good software," said Commissioner Donna Zimmerman, a former county clerk with experience using the program. "For the most part, my experience has been good. I will say, though, I'm very disappointed with their service and the lack thereof."