Macomb County committees back $11.1 million IT maintenance package and cybersecurity grant

Macomb County’s joint Internal Services and Health & Human Services committees voted unanimously to forward to the full board an $11,097,747.18 package of first-quarter IT maintenance renewals, and accepted a state cybersecurity grant intended for projects in 2026 and 2027.

Sandy Bolson, deputy director of the county IT department, told commissioners the maintenance package covers six renewals across vendors including Vertical Image Soft, Infocast, SHNI International and DocuSign. "It is $11,097,747 and 18¢," Bolson said. She also described a multi-module secure Internet service called Zscaler: "So right now, it is I'm gonna say about 50% implemented in the overall, but there's certain areas that are 100%." Bolson said Zscaler licensing is per-user and current quantity is about 2,854 individual licenses.

Bolson reported the county received a 2023 cybersecurity grant that was awarded in 2025 and will be used across 2026 and 2027. "It will be utilized for 26 and 27 projects related to cybersecurity," she said, and described the grant as reimbursement-based: the county pays costs up front and then submits for state reimbursement. She said the award will offset some maintenance costs, reducing future county funding requests.

The committee also approved a separate $70,492.59 request to refresh switch equipment at the Macomb County Jail that operates door controls and the intercom system; presenters said an assessment showed the switches needed to be replaced immediately and the purchase includes equipment and installation.

Commissioners asked about implementation timelines and cost-savings. Commissioner Kraft asked whether the Zscaler work was an implementation or maintenance item; Bolson said the initial purchase occurred earlier and the current request is renewal of ongoing maintenance. Commissioner Sabatini confirmed the county realized a reduced cost from an earlier procurement strategy.

All IT items described by staff were moved to the full board by voice vote and recorded as passing in committee by a 13–0 tally.

What’s next: These items will appear on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners consent or regular agenda for final approval; the cybersecurity grant requires county outlays before state reimbursement.