County dealing with tech trouble

Wahkiakum County's computer and technology programs have outgrown their welcome.

Since the county set up a computer system for the courthouse offices years ago, staff in the auditor's office have been responsible for maintaining the system and handling the paperwork associated with it.

No more, Auditor Diane Tischer said this week as officials met to discuss how to manage the system.

"The auditor's office doesn't want to be responsible anymore," Tischer said. "It's huge--computers, telephone and copiers, someday. We won't be able to get to where we want to be, where we can do the jobs we need to do. We can't do that now."

Tischer said her deputy auditor spends three or more hours a day on computer system issues, and the office staff all have to pitch in at times. That takes them away from the work they're supposed to be doing.

Commissioners hosted a workshop with Tischer and other officials Tuesday to discuss the situation.

Possible solutions ranged from hiring an information technology (IT) director at a cost of $70,000 or more to sharing tasks among offices.

Health and Human Services staff said they would consider taking on some of the responsibilities.

"We're willing to help, but it can't interfere with our mission," said department Director Sue Cameron.

"My first reaction was to be a good neighbor," said Chris Weiler, department financial director. "For us to step in and manage the program, we can't do it with the same FTE (full-time equivalent employee) count.

"If we could get out of the vouchers, we might pull it off, but short of new bodies, we couldn't take this on."

Tischer emphasized she and her department want to shed program responsibilities, including handling vouchers and bookkeeping.

The officials debated how much time they thought would be needed.

"I think it would be a half-time position," Tischer said. "Every single day Rachelle (Cothren, the deputy assessor) is interrupted.

Looking at a list of tasks which Tischer prepared to show the duties, Commissioner Blair Brady had a different opinion.

"This is not a full time job," Brady said. "It might be one to two hours a day. There are only a few daily chores."

"I think Blair needs to come and spend a day in our office," Tischer said. "It takes 3-4 hours a day. It has become its own animal."

She added she didn't want another person added to her staff to handle IT chores.

"I do not want another person," she said.

Commissioner Mike Backman suggested a part-time person could be added to the assessor's staff to handle the tech work. When not working on IT, the person could assist the assessor's staff.

When asked, Backman said he hadn't yet talked to Assessor Bill Coons about the situation.

Cameron pointed out that her department receives funding through grants and contracts, and it is generally supposed to be spent on services. Undertaking IT management isn't covered in those grants and contracts. However, Weiler said there are some funds that could be used.

"We need a real picture of what is expected," said Mental Health Director Chris Holmes. "Who is paid? How much? Where do they live?"

Brady suggested the County Road Department might be able to handle the work; that department can perform services for a fee.

"I need some more information," Brady said.