After approaching the Geneva County Commission three times over the past two years regarding its IT services and costs, I am increasingly concerned by the Commission’s unwillingness to competitively bid these services—or even seriously consider alternatives that could save taxpayers money.
When I first approached the Commission in 2024, my proposal would have reduced the County’s IT expenses by approximately $1,677.50 per month—roughly 21%. Had those savings been realized, the County could have saved approximately $36,000 to date.
Today, I appeared before the Commission again with a proposal that would save Geneva County taxpayers approximately $65,000 over the next 36 months, while also increasing the level of IT services provided.
The Commission declined to entertain the proposal or put the services out for competitive bid.
During today’s meeting, Commissioner Brannon initially stated that the County could not consider another provider because “we’re in a contract.” However, I had previously submitted a public records request specifically seeking the County’s IT contract, and no such contract was provided. When this was pointed out during the meeting, the discussion continued with acknowledgment that there was, in fact, no current contract preventing the Commission from considering alternatives.
The next explanation was essentially that the Commission is happy with its current provider.
Being satisfied with a vendor does not eliminate the responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.
If the County can receive more services for less money, taxpayers deserve to know why that option is not even being considered.
There are also additional questions that deserve answers.
Based on the records I have reviewed, the County currently pays approximately $90,000 per year for IT support, while individuals associated with Foxhill also appear to bill the County separately for certain services outside of that annual amount.
So what exactly does the $90,000 annual payment include?
What services are considered outside of that amount?
How much does Geneva County actually spend on IT services each year when all additional invoices are included?
And without a written contract clearly defining the scope of services, how does the Commission determine what should be included in the annual fee versus what can be billed separately?
Those are reasonable questions when public money is involved.
Our proposal would have provided, among other services, a dedicated technician onsite eight hours every week, backed by our regular full-time staff, while still producing approximately $65,000 in savings over 36 months.
Let me be clear:
I am not asking the Geneva County Commission to simply award this business to my company.
I am asking them to competitively bid it.
Let the current provider submit a proposal.
Let us submit ours.
Let other qualified IT companies submit theirs.
Then compare the pricing, staffing, response times, scope of services, qualifications, and accountability, and references offered by each provider and select whichever proposal represents the best value for Geneva County taxpayers.
If the current provider truly offers the best value, then a fair and open competitive process should demonstrate that.
This isn’t about one IT company versus another.
It’s about accountability for public money.
Geneva County taxpayers deserve accountability for how every dollar is spent—especially when taxpayers are regularly being asked to shoulder higher taxes and increased costs.
Before asking the public for more money, the Commission should be able to demonstrate that it is doing everything reasonably possible to control expenses and obtain the best value for the money it already receives.
When an opportunity is presented that could potentially save taxpayers $65,000 over three years while increasing services, simply refusing to consider it raises legitimate questions.
If the Commission chooses to spend more, taxpayers deserve to know why.
I have obtained and reviewed public records relating to these expenses and have prepared documentation supporting my proposal and the potential savings. I am happy to share those records and answer questions to the best of my ability.
I strongly believe in the responsible and effective use of taxpayer dollars, regardless of who ultimately receives the business.
I encourage Geneva County residents to contact their commissioners and ask a simple question:
Why won’t the County competitively bid its IT services?
Elected officials are entrusted with public money. Being “happy” with a vendor should not be the standard.
Value. Accountability. Transparency. Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Those should be the standards.
And $65,000 in potential savings deserves, at minimum, a competitive bid and a public discussion.
If the current arrangement is truly the best deal for Geneva County taxpayers, put it out for competitive bid and prove it.