County computer system request creates ‘animosity’

story by Aric Mitchell
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Applause from attendees of Tuesday night’s Sebastian County Quorum Court meeting was centered on Justice Lisa Sellers’ comments regarding the decision making process of the quorum court members.

Following interrogation of Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck and County Treasurer Judith Miller, who, along with other department heads, made a plea to the court to update the outdated computer systems of the county, Sellers responded:

“I feel this animosity. I don’t know if it’s ego or what, but it’s counterproductive to our county. Our meetings last longer than they’ve ever lasted. I know it’s not supposed to be fun, and it isn’t. It used to be. If I can do something to help, then I will. We’re not here to grill these elected officials. The fact they’ve all come together on this and shown the unity they have, just encourages me. I believe they’re working hard for the people of this county. We need to do the same.”

While the court ultimately voted to approve a resolution of intent, it was not without more than one hour of debate. Judge David Hudson expressed his frustration to comments by court members, who seemed reluctant to appropriate the funds necessary for the technology update.

“A resolution is a statement of intent. You’re not spending anything at this point. There is a lot of work to do before we get there. What I want you to understand is number one, this project is important; number two, we need to explore it. It’s a lot of work, ladies and gentlemen. And it’s going to be a heck of a lot more work before it comes back to you. If you are offended by this, I’m sorry. We’re at a point where we have to know if we’re together or not. That’s not an easy process. I want to know as a county judge if you intend to work with us on this highly complicated project. I have a 2-year term. I’m accountable to the taxpayers just like you are. I’m not going to recommend something I don’t believe in,” Hudson said.

Court members Shawn Looper and Linda Murry were concerned about hardware costs and the idea that, once bids were accepted for the project, that the departments would be asking for more money on top of the $750,000 to $1 million projected for an upgrade. Justice Bob Schwartz asked how these integrated and interfacing software programs would ultimately save the County money.

“If we can operate more efficiently with the staff we’ve got, then we save money,” Hudson said.

The resolution’s approval allows county department heads to begin accepting bids. According to Miller, most technology companies will not submit bids until they know the process and the financial capabilities of the County to move forward, as they would be using their own employees and resources to develop a detailed proposal with no guarantee of winning the bid.

“They need to see that the money is going to be there,” Miller said.

In other business, the court voted unanimously to appoint Bob Costner to the remaining vacancy on the Quorum Court Equalization Board. Costner is a certified appraiser with First National Bank in Fort Smith.

Also, the court agreed to move forward on a possible agreement with the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority to lease two buildings totaling more than 4,500 square feet for $1,000 per month in order to relocate the county cooperative extension offices. In addition to the monthly rent, the County could also expect approximately $7,400 in relocation expenses.

In closing, the quorum court voted to earmark $500,000 for the development and support of rural fire departments in order to reduce the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating and lower homeowner insurance premiums for residents of affected areas. A total of $35,714 will be allocated to the following rural Sebastian County fire departments: Big Creek, EMP, Greenwood, Jenny Lind, Milltown, Riverdale, Sugarloaf, Whitebluff, Bonanza City, Hackett City, Hartford City, Huntington City, Mansfield City, Midland Rural.

The next meeting of the Sebastian County Quorum Court will be May 17.