Broadwater County approves $18,000 contract with 3 Plus 1 for cash-management analysis

Broadwater County commissioners voted to approve a contract with 3 Plus 1, a cash‑management and forecasting firm also referred to in the meeting as CashVest, to analyze the county’s bank statements, certificates of deposit and other investments for $18,000 a year.

The commission approved the contract after hearing staff describe the product’s capabilities, including liquidity stress testing, forward cash‑flow projections, benchmarking and read‑only access to county accounts. Unidentified Speaker 1 read a vendor guarantee during the meeting: “If 3 plus 1 does not show a 1 to 1 benefit through its cash best initial analysis compared to the proposed annual fee for the entity, the initial cash best analysis will be provided at no cost with no further obligation.”

Why it matters: county officials said the analysis could identify ways to improve returns on idle cash or better match cash to spending needs, potentially freeing funds for projects or operations. Unidentified Speaker 2 told the commission that Kevin from 3 Plus 1 emphasized how many counties have fragmented cash visibility and that the service helps centralize and benchmark holdings.

Commissioners and staff stressed that 3 Plus 1 would have read‑only access and that final investment and spending decisions remain with local officials, including the commission and Treasurer Melissa Franks. Commissioners noted the contract is annual and not a multi‑year lock‑in, giving the county flexibility to discontinue the service.

The motion to approve the contract was moved by Unidentified Speaker 2 and seconded by Unidentified Speaker 3; the commission voted in favor. Commissioners said they will receive regular reports on the vendor’s findings at future meetings.

Details: the first‑year fee discussed in the meeting is $18,000; the vendor’s initial diagnostic is guaranteed to cover that fee or be provided at no cost. The firm’s services were described as recommended by the National Association of Counties and previously reviewed by county staff and advisers, including Bill Drucky and officials identified as Debbie Kelly and Michelle Beebe.

Next steps: Treasurer Melissa Franks will provide onboarding information to the vendor and the county will receive periodic reports to the commission on the analysis and any recommended changes.