Rawlins County department heads discuss IT consolidation, reimbursement rules and facility maintenance

County department heads at the March 15 meeting discussed options to reduce IT costs, clarified reimbursement procedures and raised several small facilities and personnel items.

County Clerk Rachel Finley relayed that Will Aurthur with Attentive requested a full employee meeting and noted Boone Moser is the county's new Aflac representative. Janice Bohme raised concerns that certain employee changes could affect Social Security benefits. Finance and clerical staff discussed receipt submission deadlines and advised that vouchers may substitute for missing receipts. A draft employee handbook will list several meal-reimbursement options for review.

IT and facilities issues were raised by Matt Wilson (Reach) and Road & Bridge lead Mark Loop. Wilson urged consolidating internet providers and reducing duplicate email accounts to save money and recommended evaluating a switch to a single platform (Microsoft) since the county already pays for it. He also said three AT&T lines appeared unused and could save roughly $250 per month if canceled after verification. Loop said equipment diagnostic software for county vehicles could cost about $3,850 but might reduce service calls and mileage costs.

Staff announced website training sessions on April 3 and 11 at 1 p.m. and reported routine facility matters: the courthouse generator needs a new heater and a truck recently purchased has been received and is being configured. Clerical staff also discussed cleaning a second-floor refrigerator and advised disposing of spoiled items while retaining reusable containers.

These departmental discussions produced administrative direction but no new formal policy decisions; staff were asked to gather cost estimates and proceed with verification steps where savings were possible.