Council replaces software firm after numerous problems
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
by Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — After dealing with numerous sofware problems impacting customer utility bills, the Mount Ayr City Council canclled its software service agreement with Gworks and voted on a suitable replacement during its regular meeting on Monday.
City Administrator Brent Wise told the council that Gworks has had ample time to solve the numerous issues the software has caused the city and its customers.
“We are going on 90 days with this same problem.” , he said. “I don’t feel as though they have earned the right to our business.”
As a vendor, Gworks was responsible for a variety of functions, not the least of which is the creation of accurate utility bills to be distributed to the city’s residents and customers.
The council was then directed to a series of documents outlining a potential replacement vendor. After discussing the pros and cons of the new program, the council voted to move forward with replacing Gworks with Frey Municipal Software. This new company would take over the primary functions of city utility billing, payroll and fund accounting.
Several nearby communities have already begun the migration to Frey as well. A number of key dates are upcoming that will require the city to continue its relationship with Gworks as the transition to the new provider takes place. The council agreed that moving ahead now rather than waiting for a formal renewal process would speed the implementation dates significantly. The final conversion is not expected to be complete until approximately in min 2026.
Prior to the decision to change software companies, the meeting opened with an invitation for the public to speak directly with council. Jim Karp, a longtime Mount Ayr resident, wanted to address the council in regards to a nuisance property close to his own. Karp distributed a handout to council members outlining the city ordinances that cover nuisance property. The former Iowa State Highway Patrolman went on to explain that a property to the immediate south of his property at 307 South Cleveland St. had been abandoned eight years prior. Karp indicated that he had approached the council earlier in the year in an effort to have “something done” about the home in question. He went on to explain that the property had been left abandoned and has deteriorated to a state that he believes the house now poses a significant health risk to those nearby.
The council listened to his heartfelt complaint and request for help an indicated they would continue to evaluate the problem. Repeated attempts to contact the property owner have been unsuccessful. The council informed Karp that the property taxes have been paid on the abandoned home thereby limiting the options the city has at its disposal
It was agreed that a civil case would most likely need to be filed by the complainant which may clear the way for further city action.
The council was apprised of several repairs completed at the water treatment plant, including the Pasture Lift Station and the Bulk Load Out.
In an issue related to the water treatment facilities, the council was informed of a recent failed water test that is being reviewed by Wise for further action.
The test shows that chemical levels, while slightly elevated, still fell within the acceptable range. Out of an abundance of caution, the city has elected to retest for verification before taking any action. According to Wise, there is no danger to the current water supply.
The council also discussed the upcoming renewal of the city’s health insurance plans. Information was distributed to the council for review outlining the new plans and the associated premiums. The council will review the proposals during its next regular meeting.
Other Council Business
* Filing of a new ordnance authorizing the placement of stop signs located at the intersections of Adams and Polk streets as well as Hayes and Columbus streets.
* A building permit was approved for work at 106 E. Adams St.
* Approval of a warranty deed for 503 W. Monroe St. analysis.
