Kootenai County requests $110K for consultant to evaluate new accounting system
May 31, 2025 | Kootenai County, Idaho
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In a pivotal meeting held on May 30, 2025, the Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners gathered to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing on the urgent need for a new accounting system and the associated costs. The atmosphere was charged with the recognition that the county's current financial software, New World, is becoming increasingly obsolete, hampering productivity and compliance with new accounting regulations.
County officials highlighted the necessity of hiring a software consultant, requesting $110,000 to facilitate the search for a more effective accounting system. This decision comes as Tyler Technologies, the provider of New World, has entered an "end of sale" phase, meaning they will no longer offer this system to new clients. The current system's limitations have forced staff to rely on manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs.
The consultant's role would encompass a comprehensive needs assessment, development of a request for proposals (RFP), vendor analysis, and contract review. Officials emphasized that this transition is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic move to ensure the county's financial operations can scale with its growth over the next 15 years. The IT department confirmed that the funding for this initiative could be sourced from their existing fund balance, alleviating the need for property tax levies.
In addition to the accounting system discussions, the meeting also touched on personnel needs within the district court system. With the anticipated arrival of a new district judge, there is a request for a judicial assistant to support the judge's administrative duties. Furthermore, the court is seeking to elevate two clerk positions to better manage the increasing workload, particularly in the civil department, which has seen a surge in filings due to recent changes in electronic filing regulations.
As Kootenai County navigates these significant changes, the discussions at the meeting reflect a proactive approach to addressing both immediate operational challenges and long-term strategic planning. The decisions made in this budget cycle will not only impact the county's financial health but also its ability to serve its growing population effectively.
County officials highlighted the necessity of hiring a software consultant, requesting $110,000 to facilitate the search for a more effective accounting system. This decision comes as Tyler Technologies, the provider of New World, has entered an "end of sale" phase, meaning they will no longer offer this system to new clients. The current system's limitations have forced staff to rely on manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs.
The consultant's role would encompass a comprehensive needs assessment, development of a request for proposals (RFP), vendor analysis, and contract review. Officials emphasized that this transition is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic move to ensure the county's financial operations can scale with its growth over the next 15 years. The IT department confirmed that the funding for this initiative could be sourced from their existing fund balance, alleviating the need for property tax levies.
In addition to the accounting system discussions, the meeting also touched on personnel needs within the district court system. With the anticipated arrival of a new district judge, there is a request for a judicial assistant to support the judge's administrative duties. Furthermore, the court is seeking to elevate two clerk positions to better manage the increasing workload, particularly in the civil department, which has seen a surge in filings due to recent changes in electronic filing regulations.
As Kootenai County navigates these significant changes, the discussions at the meeting reflect a proactive approach to addressing both immediate operational challenges and long-term strategic planning. The decisions made in this budget cycle will not only impact the county's financial health but also its ability to serve its growing population effectively.
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