Clay County approves DevNet tax-collection software; commissioners set 2027 target for implementation

The Clay County Commission approved a contract to replace its tax-collection software with a vendor the county selected through an RFP and demonstration process.

Deanna Jacobs, the county's administrative services director, summarized the procurement: the RFP was published in February, remained open through April, had 66 downloads and five responses, and the selection committee chose DevNet after demonstrations and site visits. Brandon McPherson, DevNet's presenter, said DevNet has supplied tax-collection systems to 28 Missouri counties and that legislative changes (including SB190) are included in DevNet contracts at no additional cost.

On cost and schedule, Jacobs and DevNet said the first installment payment for implementation is about $550,000 (the initial configuration and migration), with an overall contract term of 66 months (5.5 years). Jacobs described the first year as an 18-month initial period and estimated annual maintenance thereafter at roughly $200,000'$250,000. Commissioners asked about Missouri staffing, SB190 handling, and whether the system could be ready for the 2026 tax year; staff and DevNet said the implementation target is the 2027 tax year. Funding for the initial outlay will come from the county's tax-maintenance/rainy-day funds with ongoing maintenance included in future budgets.

Commissioner comments ranged from strong praise for DevNet's demonstrations to questions about cost and benchmarking in the contract; the commission voted 6-0 to approve the contract (item 2026255). Jacobs said benchmarked quarterly payments and deliverables were negotiated into the schedule so the county pays in increments tied to milestones.