Software upgrades in Thorsby discussed

Published 5:15 pm Tuesday, February 21, 2017

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The Thorsby Council held a work session following its meeting on Monday to discuss upgrading the town’s software system.

The town currently uses City Tech, but the Council talked about a proposal from Southern Software for its provided support services that would cost $2,000 to $3,000 a year compared to the $10,000 required by City Tech.

“It seems like a no-brainer,” Councilman Glenn Littleton said.

The total cost of the proposal would be around $29,000.

By making the switch, it would include more digital options and help in eliminating certain fees associated with paper and postage.

“It’s taking it to the next level, and saves everybody money in the long run,” said Howie McNeil, certified public accountant for I.H. McNeil III, P.C. of Pelham.

The talk of upgrading to its use of technological capabilities was a continuation of sorts from the Council meeting immediately prior to the work session, where the Council approved a new digital payroll service.

If the proposal is accepted, options could include the use of Automated Clearing House, which is a financial network that processes credit and debit transactions.

“People have been asking for ACH for quite some time,” town clerk Crystal Smith said.

An example of the change is that the option would exist for water bills to be able to be emailed and paid online.

“The timing of all this is really coming together at the right time,” McNeil said. “People love it once they start doing it.”

The Council decided to consider the proposal before making a decision at the next scheduled meeting on March 6.