Discussion on whether to hire an in-house information technology employee and cancel a service contract with Panora Communications Cooperative was had by the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors this week.

The Board tabled action on cancelling their contract, an agenda item that County Engineer Josh Sebern said left him “a little in shock,” though he admitted he may have missed a recent IT committee meeting, when the issue may have been discussed. Panora Telco CEO Andy Randol said his chief complaint of the relationship with the Board is communication, as he said he was notified this week that the item would be on the agenda. The Board argued that the County’s needs are growing so large that they need a full-time employee at the courthouse. Sheriff Marty Arganbright asked the Board whether one employee would be equipped to handle the Sheriff’s Office and dispatch needs. Arganbright complimented Panora Telco’s services, saying they’re available 24/7.

The current service contract the County has with Panora Telco is $60,780. County Human Resources Director Pam Lane says the key factor in hiring their own person is determining wage, which Panora Telco employee Curtis Thornberry said he doesn’t think would be less than $60,000. The Board decided to schedule an IT meeting with all the County department heads this week to discuss their thoughts on the issue.