MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Council has approved an additional $210,000 to proceed with implementing Mountain View County's new financial and enterprise resource planning solution system, with funding coming from the office equipment reserve.
The move came by way of motion during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online.
The SylogistGov ERP (enterprise resource planning) system will enhance the county’s ability to efficiently manage financial options, provide timely and accurate financial reporting, support strategic decision-making, and adapt to changing regulatory requirements, said chief administrative officer Jeff Holmes.
“Before going to request for proposal (RFP) the cost was estimated to be $355,000 for the first year, including licensing and implementation,” he said.
“The RFP processes has resulted in updated information which more accurately represents the investment required. This project will be funding from the office equipment reserve.”
The new cloud-based platform will “provide a comprehensive suite of modules, including financial management, payroll, asset management, revenue and procurement,” he said.
Key benefits of the new system include enhanced efficiency with automation of manual processes to reduce date entry errors and streamline workflow, as well as improve financial reporting, enhanced decision-making, and increased compliance with adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices, he said
“The new system is designed to maintain familiarity with the current system, minimizing disruption to staff and reducing the risk of implementation challenges,” he said.
The county’s existing 25-year-old financial resource software system is no longer viable, council heard.
The new system should be up and running by mid-2025, council heard.
Reeve Angela Aalbers said the additional funding and the new financial resource planning solution system is necessary.
“While this pains me greatly, I don’t see another solution and I don’t see another option, and this is necessary for Mountain View County to do their business,” said Aalbers.
“It’s always disappointing when you think you’re going to pay one thing and you have to pay something else.”
Grant would be used for Acme Road project
During the recent council meeting, council also directed administration to apply for a provincial local growth and sustainability grant (LGSG).
The grant supports local governments to enhance and expand infrastructure in growth-pressured areas, and support new or expanding industrial, commercial and residential development, council heard.
If successful in the grant application, the county plans to use any monies received to help fund the Acme Road project (Township Road 292 upgrade).
“We think it’s worth putting in an application. We are hopeful there will be some grant money,” said Holmes.
“Although this represents a more accelerated timeline than initially proposed, administration believes it is achievable by advancing bridge construction ahead of the remaining road upgrade work if the grant is awarded.”
Reeve Aalbers said, “At the end of the day any provincial funding support we get for any project is less of a burden on our taxpayers, so I think it’s great.”
Council carried a motion instructing administration to apply for the grant.
