Boone County officials are moving forward with a new agreement for IT services that aims to better reflect the costs associated with providing technology support to the city. During a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, discussions centered on a proposed budget of $120,000 for IT services, which is a significant increase from the previous arrangement that cost the city approximately $61,000.

The new agreement, which is set to take effect in October 2025, comes after a thorough review of the services provided by the county's IT department. Officials noted that the previous contract did not adequately account for the full scope of IT services, including system management and staff support. Lieutenant Kevin Smythe emphasized that the proposed amount aligns more closely with what other entities, such as the 911 board, are charged for similar services.

Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the proposed budget, with some committee members suggesting that the figure might still be on the lower end, considering the responsibilities associated with data storage and cybersecurity. The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that the city is not only receiving fair value for the services but also adequately covering potential liabilities related to data breaches.

The committee agreed to further evaluate the proposed budget and consider adjustments before the final decision is made at the upcoming board meeting on July 31. This proactive approach aims to ensure that both the county and the city are satisfied with the terms of the agreement, fostering a collaborative relationship moving forward.