By Erin Lowrey

NATCHEZ —A technological revamp is already under way for Adams County government buildings.

Adams County IT director Lance Bishop has set forth a plan to update everything from desktop computers to the county’s phone server, all in hopes of saving the county money.

“Most everything in the county is eight years-old, and expensive to maintain,” said Bishop. “The personal computers, printers and phone system pretty much need a technology refresh.”

Some of the new equipment purchased includes a main computer server that will cost approximately $80,000 dollars, and 50 new computers ranging in price from $800 to $1000 each.

The vendors— Premise Incorporated- Howard Computers of Laurel— were officially awarded the bid at the board of supervisors meeting March 7.

“A main server may seem expensive, but the maintenance of the current servers cost $11,000 a year. We can spend money updating the current service, or purchase a new one for 10 times the efficiency, and a five-year maintenance plan,” Bishop said.

Bishop said the county is spending more than it should on ink and toner for the older printers in their buildings, as well as upkeep for other technologies

However, the county will drastically reduce its bills with the new technology because it won’t need constant maintenance.

County Administrator Joe Murray said he believes Bishop’s plan is a smart move for the county.

“This is highly supported by all supervisors. We are beyond the lifespan on all our technologies,” Murray said. “This plan will bring us up to date, and with Lance we can get there.” Bishop said that everything that is replaced will pay for itself in less than five years.

Bishop said he hopes to incorporate other cost-efficient plans for the city in the future that include online bill payment for taxes, and an updated webpage. The project is expected to tentatively be complete by the beginning of the summer.