Same system used since 1998
GEORGETOWN — Williamson County offices are getting a much-needed computer overhaul.
That was the word this week during the regular Commissioners Court session in which each precinct’s elected representative also received an update on county roadwork.
In the matter of the computers, officials said county offices have been working off Oracle computer software since 1998, then adding systems and upgrades to keep pace with needs.
Richard Semple, chief information officer, recommended the county consolidate to one system, Workday, through Enterprise Resource Planning. Commissioners approved the upgrade, though the cost is still being finalized.
“We’ve been cobbling together these solutions over the years and it’s led us to using multiple systems and it’s not been as efficient as we need,” Semple said.
Excluding UKG Kronos, Telestaff and Bonfire, which the county still needs for contracts and solicitations, the county will begin the transition to Workday Nov 5.
The move will affect all county employees and completion of the transition is expected by January 2027.
County Judge Steven Snell acknowledged the change will be expensive. He asked Semple and County Auditor Julie Kiley to supply him with a list of programs and software to be replaced and the annual cost.
“Change is expensive. The maintenance won’t be so expensive, but let’s show (the public) some transparency and responsibility to our spending,” Snell said.
Earlier during the Oct. 21 meeting during public comments, a resident complained about the expected cost of upgrading the computer systems.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles said the county has gotten its money’s worth from the Oracle system.
“We’ve gotten a good 29, 30 years out of it, but we’ve pushed it about as far as it will go. Now, it’s time to do something different,” he said.
Boles also added the overhaul benefits more than just Williamson County.
“We use (our computer systems) to interact with outside agencies. We’ve got to be able to have records that the (Texas) Attorney General can review, that the Department for Public Safety can review,” he said.
Boles added getting this new system is a necessity.
In other court business, Bob Daigh, senior director of infrastructure, provided updates and drone pictures on all county roadwork projects.
Turn lanes on FM 971 into the new Granger secondary school will soon be completed. The East Wilco Highway from U.S. 79 to CR 404 is underway.
“The bridge and the roadways are open, but the remaining work (excavation for drainage and a box culvert) is all related to the railroad,” Daigh said.
Railroads often have a say in road construction when it intersects tracks or requires flaggers to be present during projects that are near its tracks or within railroad right of way.
Commissioners meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at 710 S. Main St. Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.
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We’ve pushed it about as far as it will go.”
— Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles
