County enters into information technology sub-contract
Fayette County will sub-contract its information technology (IT) department to a Dunbar Township firm beginning in January.
In 2-1 vote Tuesday, Commissioners Al Ambrosini and Vince Zapotosky agreed to hire Ford Business Machines to oversee the department for a five-year period at an annual cost of $169,800.
The action drew criticism from meeting attendees and Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink, who did not support entering into the lengthy contract.
The lack of support appeared to be tied to the hiring being done without a request for proposals being advertised to allow multiple vendors to submit bids and because the vote took place at the end of Ambrosini’s and Zapotosky’s terms.
“There’s no reason to shove this down our throats,” said Zimmerlink prior to the vote. “The next board of commissioners is going to have to live with this decision, not the outgoing commissioners.
“There is no rush to enter into an agreement.”
The matter was broached at last week’s agenda meeting after Ford had offered a proposal to takeover the IT department.
Tracey Richardson, Ford director of operations, said that the proposal resulted after personnel had discussed the department deficiencies with its new director.
“Anyone with any IT experience … would be hoping for something to be done to make the county IT department more functional,” she said. “We went through every aspect.”
In November, Ford was hired to provide copier service for certain departments.
Zimmerlink, meanwhile, said that the contract scope of work included several statements that the firm would be required to “evaluate and advise.”
“Why would this board of commissioners enter into a five-year agreement for ($849,000, when there are unresolved issues)?” she said. “No one has sat down with the commissioners or the IT director.
“Information technology is very important for the county. We are in the midst of changing our phone. I don’t know if (Ford) is aware of that, but I’m going to be the one that will have to work with the new individuals.”
Zimmerlink questioned Richardson about the need for a “ticket system and help desk” when a similar set-up was in place to prioritize system problems or issues.
While unaware, Richardson said she was knowledgeable “it was not working.”
“That’s why we are going to initiate (a ticket system),” said Richardson.
Zimmerlink said that she would not pay Ford or any firm to oversee the new telephone system when it was installed as it was a part of that contract.
“They are going to bring in the systems,” she said. “We had meetings. We signed off on the contract.
“They are moving forward with it. We don’t need the help of Ford Business Machines or any other company. They are going to provide training…they are going to do it all.”
William Catalina, Ford IT director, said that the current system is antiquated and while it will be compatible with the new telephone system, it will not “support” it, when installed.
“When you entered into that (telephone service) agreement, it would have been helpful to have someone evaluate the network,” he said. “It can not support the phone system.”
Catalina said that while email and other critical functions are supported by the county network, a new telephone system will not be.
He also advised the commissioners that the networking system is vulnerable to a security breach.
“This is an ongoing issue that should be addressed when we walk out of here,” he said. “If it is not Ford, then it should be somebody else.”
Zimmerlink said that Catalina’s assessment supported the need for the new commissioners to confer with Ford and other companies to determine the direction to be taken by the county.
Zapotosky, meanwhile, said that the county’s financial responsibility for the department would also be eliminated.
In addition to requesting that Ambrosini and Zapotosky table the matter, Zimmerlink also requested that Ford withdraw the proposal.
Ambrosini moved the matter to a vote with Zapotosky agreeing to enter into the contract.