As two county offices prepare to start training for new tax-related computer software, the county assessor is still refusing to approve it.
The software from Hamer Enterprises has been at the center of a dispute between officials since May, when County Assessor John Scott opposed its purchase. Scott wanted to use software from True Automation, but after much debate the County Council voted 5-2 to buy the Hamer software.
On Friday, Porter County Attorney Gwenn Rinkenberger said Scott was refusing to meet with her to discuss the contract terms with Hamer.
"I've been trying to get the assessor to sit down with me and discuss what contract terms we need," Rinkenberger said. "Without input from the elected official in the department that's going to use the software, it's a bad situation. I don't feel comfortable negotiating on his behalf."
Rinkenberger said the council has appropriated the money for Hamer and both the county auditor and treasurer already have it.
Scott said he won't approve the software because the council's decision to buy it is illegal.
"Under law, the picking of the vendor is my decision," Scott said. "I picked one and it wasn't to their liking. When someone else supersedes my authority and asks me to sign this contract, I say, 'No.'"
Rinkenberger said that although Scott has the authority to choose his own software, the council and the Board of Commissioners must approve it.
According to council member Bob Poparad, the Hamer software costs about $500,000 less than the True Automation software. Hamer also was recommended by an independent consultant who compared the two. Scott said he believed the consultant was biased.
On Thursday, County Auditor James Kopp held a meeting with township assessors to let them know when training would begin for the Hamer software. Both the auditor and treasurer already have scheduled training sessions.
"Somebody needs to sign off for the assessor," said Kopp. "This could cause delays for next year -- we'll be in the same situation we're in now."
The standoff will not impact tax collection for 2007, but officials hope to get the issue resolved soon and begin implementing the new program.
Earlier this week, Rinkenberger sent a letter to the commissioners asking for advice on what steps she should take regarding Scott's actions. Although Rinkenberger can put together a contract without Scott, she said she is hesitant to do so without his input.
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