Bell County’s information technology costs soar | Business
Bell County has spent $8,718,523 on subscription-based information technology agreements this fiscal year compared to the $1,158,966 from the 2022 fiscal year, which is offset by Bell County’s general administrative expenses.
Accountant Daniel Jones of Temple-based Brockway Gersbach Franklin & Niemeier PC presented the annual audit report for the 2023 fiscal year to Bell County Commissioners on Monday.
The reason for the increase was because of agreements made with system software company, Workday.
Jones also pointed out another significant increase during the 2023 fiscal year.
“Your interest and other incomes is a significant number this year: $10.1 billion. That’s obviously because you got a significant amount of cash, investments and collecting interest. Also, the interest rates are also notably higher than they have been in recent years,” Jones said.
Sales taxes and property taxes have been steadily increasing because of the county’s growing population.
Commissioners also recognized the Bell County Auditor’s Office for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Award for the 43rd consecutive time because of the county’s comprehensive annual financial report for the 2023 fiscal year.
Commissioners Bill Schumann praised Auditor Tina Entrop’s dedication to earning the award for decades.
“For those of us that have the opportunity to work for you regularly, we know why you get the award (each year),” Schumann said.
A majority of the Bell County Auditor’s Office staff was also personally recognized.
The Commissioners Court on Monday also authorized the disposal of salvage and surplus county property at an auction.
According to county spokesperson James Stafford, the property will be sold by Hill Hall Auctioneers Inc. on Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m. at the Heritage Country Church special event center at 9677 Lark Trail in Salado.
Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the item. County Judge Blackburn was absent from Monday’s meeting.
The court also unanimously approved a contract with Waco-based Capstone Mechanical to upgrade and replace the existing boilers at the Bell County Justice Center with a not-to-exceed cost of $396,383.
Killeen electric vehicle chargers
Commissioner Louie Minor presented an item about making an agreement with Killeen to construct and maintain an electric vehicle charging station.
“As part of the tax abatement agreement with Gransolar Texas No. 20 that the court approved on March 4 of this year, … the owner agrees to make a one-time payment to the county of $50,000 within 90 days of execution of this agreement to help with the cost of any county-funded solar panels and/or charging stations for electric vehicles,” Minor said.
Minor told the Commissioners that Killeen is ready to make a charging station and that a vote was required to approve the money for the project.
The commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the item.
