County approves budget‑presentation software contract to produce public 'budget book'

Utah County commissioners approved a contract to implement budget‑presentation software intended to produce a public, plain‑language budget book and a shorter 'budget in brief' that staff say will improve transparency and public understanding of county finances.

Staff explained the purchase is an add‑on to existing Questica financial software and described initial and recurring costs discussed in the work session: a subscription startup fee around $4,200, an estimated implementation cost near $12,000 and an annual renewal of $5,000 (the presenter said the $5,000 figure is an add‑on to an existing subscription). The clerk‑auditor’s office identified department savings that could fund the initial purchase and said ARPA funds could backfill if necessary.

Supporters argued the product will allow multi‑year comparisons, visual summaries and public access to budget information, improving accountability for tax dollars. Commissioners approved the contract by voice vote, 3–0.

Staff said if the county delays the software until next year, it could take at least 12 months to implement; approving the item now will allow staff to integrate the product and produce the budget book for the next budget cycle.