The Right Decision

The county commissioners have decided to suck it up and keep the New World accounting software for at least a couple more years.

That is the right decision.

Those following the seven-year New World saga will remember the expense and anguish that the software has caused the courthouse.

Eventually, the trauma ended and the software was up and running.

Then, once out of the woods with the system, it was suggested that a search be conducted for a new system to replace New World.

The $45,000 a year or so maintenance fee was too much to stomach, said some county officials. After all that was invested in the software over the years, it irked some that they still had to keep paying, now to just keep it updated.

But, this year simply was not the time to start from scratch again. Too much had already been invested to throw it all aside and too many other considerations face the county.

Sure, $45,000 is a lot of money, but in comparison to the hundreds of thousands spent already, it is a pittance. Reportedly, the maintenance cost is not out of line with the cost for maintenance and updates for other comparable systems.

The county is faced with a lot of needs, and it is staring down some unresolved problems. On top of that, it is undergoing major changes in its leadership with two new commissioners about to be sworn in.

Holding off from starting over with its accounting software and trying to get the most out of that big investment is the best course for now.

It also clears the deck to handle other, more important issues facing the county.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher