9/14/1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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departments to go on the IBM -38, but Chairman Scurlock was concerned that if everybody moves off the Data Processing system and ends up doing their own thing, the big IBM 38 won't be working to its potential. Mrs. Robinson emphasized that she felt justified in asking this of the Board because it would be far more appropriate to have this under her control and it would cost less. It really should have been in her budget back in 1986 and 1987 because the law requires her to have voters registration under her control. Chairman Scurlock did not have any problem with who has control, but did have a problem with increasing the Elections budget by $32,000 without seeing where we are going to reduce it by that amount in another part of the budget. Commissioner Eggert was very much in support of a ._centralized computer system, but found it very hard to argue with a constitutiona_1 officer as opposed to a department head. Commissioner Bird asked if there are skilled programmers in the Election Office to operate this computer, and Supervisor Robinson advised that we won't need them. All the software that is on the IBM 38 now can be transitioned to this without any problem. The best thing about IBM's offer is that she would have the use of this computer in her office for 60 days and IBM will send people to train us at no cost. In addition, we would not be required to pay for it until we are well satisfied with it. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of a centralized computer system and the Clerk's responsibility in that area. Commissioner Bird was reluctant to spend an additional $32,000 this year, and Commissioner Wheeler stated that he has always been in support of a centralized system, but it has not happened. He pointed out that the Supervisor of Elections is the 8 SEP 1A 1988nor 74�, :