St. Lawrence County to purchase software

CANTON — St. Lawrence County is poised to purchase a $700,000 financial software system to replace one that officials say does not give them the up-to-date numbers they need.

Legislators at a Finance Committee meeting Monday approved the purchase of MUNIS Software Solution by Tyler Technologies for $711,808. Installation and conversion to the new system could take up to two years. After a year, Tyler, Yarmouth, Maine, would receive annual payments for maintenance, updates and future training of $92,000 plus an escalator clause, nearly double the cost of the county’s current GEMS system.

Legislators approved the purchase 11-3, with Legislator Anthony J. Arquiett, D-Helena, absent. Legislators Scott M. Sutherland, R-Pierrepont; Gregory M. Paquin, D-Massena; and Frederick S. Morrill, D-DeKalb Junction, voted against the purchase, saying it was too expensive.

In addition to tight finances, the county has reduced its staff through attrition and retirements, so is not in a good position to spend money and demand more of its employees in learning a new system, Mr. Sutherland said.

“It’s just going to be too much. This is maybe one of the worst times,” he said. “I think it’s a great product.”

Employees asked to take up the slack of those who have not been replaced should have assistance in doing their jobs, said Legislator Daniel F. Parker, R-Potsdam.

“If we expect them to do more, we have to give them the tools,” he said.

Legislator Alex A. MacKinnon, R-Fowler, supported the purchase but wondered if the product would end up as great as it sounded.

“The leery part is I’ve heard it all before,” he said.

Officials believe the MUNIS system will allow them to do multi-year budgeting, have a better handle on spending and what accounts have what money left and reduce the use of paper.

Administrator Karen M. St. Hilaire said getting rid of the county’s GEMS system has been a goal of hers since she starting using it.

“There was a lot of data but no information,” she said.

A system that provides what is wanted quickly without hours of searching is a money-saver, said Jeff A. Ornstein, Tyler account executive.