Kenai Peninsula Borough staff told the finance committee Oct. 14 that bids for a new finance budgeting software project came in higher than previously budgeted and that the borough needs a supplemental appropriation to cover implementation and first-year licensing costs.

Sarah Dennis, speaking for the borough finance team, said the project initially had a $60,000 capital budget and that proposals solicited in July returned higher prices and additional one-time implementation costs. The ordinance introduced to the committee would appropriate supplemental funds; a public hearing was scheduled for Oct. 28.

Assembly Member Morton asked about the $73,720 first-year licensing cost and whether that fee is guaranteed. Dennis said the first year is $73,720 and that the vendor guarantees a 3% annual increase for three years, after which fees would be renegotiated. "The first year is the 73,720, and then it's 3% per year for 3 years guaranteed. And then after that, it would be renegotiated," Dennis said.

The ordinance was introduced on the consent agenda and will return for public hearing and subsequent assembly consideration.