VALPARAISO | After months of arguing over what computer software will be used in tax collections, Porter County officials seem to have finally reached an agreement.
County Assessor John Scott told the Porter County Council on Thursday that although he isn't happy with it, he'll use the long-disputed Hamer software if it's forced upon him.
"I'm not going to hold this county hostage because a couple people don't like my choice of software," Scott told the council at a special meeting.
The dispute over the tax collecting software began in May when officials couldn't agree on a vendor. After Treasurer Jim Murphy and Auditor James Kopp decided on Hamer the council approved the purchase. Scott refused to sign off on his portion of the contract, however, and said the move was against the law.
"The law says I have the right to choose," Scott said.
According to county officials, the Hamer software costs about $500,000 less than the True Automation software Scott wanted. Hamer also was recommended by an independent consultant who compared the two.
After months of a stalemate, the auditor and treasurer moved forward with training on the Hamer software without Scott. Township assessors were brought in to meetings coordinated by Kopp to help give feedback about the program.
At Thursday's meeting, Council President Dan Whitten asked the township assessors if there would be any opposition from them or if they would cooperate with the Hamer software as well.
"I don't like the software," said Porter Township Assessor Catherine Hall. "But I'm willing to work with it."
Council President Dan Whitten thanked Scott for his cooperation and asked Kopp and Murphy to work with him in the upcoming months regarding training and coordination for Hamer.
A contract for the assessor's portion of the software will still need to be approved by the Porter County Board of Commissioners.
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