During a recent government meeting, a significant discussion arose regarding access to critical datasets controlled by the Kootenay County Assessor's Office. Treasurer staff, represented by Steve Matheson, expressed concerns over their inability to access necessary information to perform their duties effectively.

Assessor Bailey Kovacs addressed the issue, explaining that the restriction on access stems from a decision made during the transition to a new data management system, known as OnBase. Kovacs noted that this decision was made around September or October 2023, and it was determined that unrestricted access to the data in the previous system, referred to as the paper clip system, would no longer be permitted. Historically, the treasurer's office had full access to this information, but the recent changes aim to enhance data security and management.

Kovacs indicated that this decision aligns with previous discussions, referencing comments made by Jamila Holmes during an earlier meeting focused on solid waste assessments. The ongoing dialogue highlights the need for collaboration between the treasurer's office and the assessor's office to ensure that essential data access is balanced with security considerations. The meeting underscored the importance of clear communication and cooperation among county departments to facilitate effective governance.