Commissioners to review two computer vendor bids

By Nick Schneider Commissioner Kathy Crouch [Click to enlarge]

By Nick Schneider Commissioner's president Bart Beard [Click to enlarge]

On Tuesday morning, the commissioners revisited proposed computer purchases, service costs and other expenses involved with information technology (IT) that was tabled at its meeting two weeks ago.

Randy Cleaver of Cleaver Consulting and Cabling of Martinsville presented a revised proposal to replace 22 computers and monitors along with two servers used in the reassessment process and install a new domain.

The computers would be installed in the offices of the auditor, assessor, surveyor and treasurer.

His new quote was $66,937.16 and included the hardware and installation costs.

Cleaver's proposal presented two week ago totaled $65,437.16 for Dell-brand computers and monitors. That figure did not include installation costs.

The commissioners also received a new unsolicited quote for comparable Dell-brand equipment from Fink Enterprises, located in downtown Bloomfield, totaling $63,930 for the same equipment and installation.

He previously had quoted $63,435.86, but pointed out that price did not include a blotter printer, which was in Cleaver's bid.

Currently, Cleaver, who has contracted with the county since 2002, serves as IT consultant to the county two days a week. He has been involved in the installation and maintenance of the computer systems now in use at the courthouse and the annex.

Fink, who has been in business seven years, proposed to provide IT services for four days a week instead of two for a comparable price that Cleaver is now charging the county.

Fink pointed out that his installation costs may vary because he is unsure how much actual data migration from the old system to the new system will be required. He estimated that the installation would take 11 days -- working eight hours a day -- to complete.

Two elected officials voiced support for the work that Cleaver has done in the past on the computer system.

Treasurer Carolyn White said Cleaver has provided dependable and quick service whenever he has been called on. She also said he is familiar with all of the computer programs in use.

"I would like to say Randy (Cleaver) has been there for us. He's done things above and beyond," White stated.

Auditor David Bailey added, "Randy has just been a go-to guy for us."

Bailey pointed out that Cleaver is very familiar with the tax and financial system software now in use.

He also told the commissioners that Cleaver's fee rate has not increased in the last four of five years.

Cleaver was paid more than $54,270 last year, according to commissioner Kathy Crouch.

However, this fee includes costs associated with the courthouse construction and renovation project, that were paid by the Building Corporation.

The commissioners discussed both equipment quotes and tabled a decision until the March 4 meeting.

Commissioner's president Bart Beard said he needed some time to compare and look over the quotes.

The commissioner also directed both computer maintenance vendors to prepare a service contract quote for annual IT services and submit it before the next regular meeting.