Board members said the decision comes despite frustration over rising technology costs and limited control over changes driven by large software companies.
James Mayer, CEO of Mayer Networks, told commissioners the county’s experience mirrors what his company has seen with other clients since moving away from in-house email systems. He said security problems became more frequent after organizations transitioned to Microsoft 365.
“Way back in the day, decade ago, we used to host Microsoft Exchange in-house,” Mayer said.
Mayer said his company began noticing account compromises soon after the transition. He said those breaches can spread quickly once a user account is accessed.
“As we were doing this stuff, we started seeing ramifications of it on the other side. And then accounts were getting breached,” Mayer said.
Commissioner Jim Rasor said the board is placed in a difficult position because county offices handle sensitive public data. He said the risk of exposure outweighs the cost concerns.
“Protecting the data that we have here is so important,” Rasor said.
Chairman Tim Atkisson said commissioners rely on technical experts when making decisions outside their own experience.
“As long as if we’re spending this money, as long as we’re getting the protection right, and as little as I know about it, I’m satisfied that we’re getting the protection,” Atkisson said.
The board approved the Microsoft 365 and cybersecurity agreement at a monthly cost of $13,124.35. Commissioners also approved an additional cybersecurity suite add-on from Mayer Networks at $12.29 per license.
The board also approved two Highway Department resolutions and heard an update on winter road conditions. The actions included a funding transfer and acceptance of annual motor fuel tax bid prices.
County Engineer George Shepard said the department is requesting that motor fuel tax funds be used to help maintain county unit roads. He said asphalt roads cost less to maintain than gravel and chip-and-seal roads.
Shepard also said motor fuel tax bids came in better than expected this year. He told commissioners that price increases were limited.
“We got really good bids this year,” Shepard said. “Everything remained the same or increased less than 10%.”
Shepard warned that the county is running low on road salt following recent snowstorms. He said crews used about 1,100 tons during the most recent winter weather event.
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