CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Supervisors will bring in an outside company to oversee the township’s IT services.
During a special board meeting Thursday, the supervisors voted, 2-1, to award a tech services contract to Morefield Communications of State College.
Proposals were also received from Eagle Haven, Dixoncom, RBA Professional Data Systems Inc., Carlson Technologies Inc. and RAK Computer Associates.
While Morefield was one of the more costly options, it was noted that the company is currently utilized by the Clearfield Regional Police Department, which is also located at the township building.
Morefield Communications submitted their proposal early on and in-person, stated Supervisor Scott Way, adding that the company is already familiar with the municipal building.
Originally Morefield’s services were expected to cost $1,600 monthly, but that’s gotten reduced to $1,400 monthly. The other proposals ranged between $663 and $1,440 monthly.
Both Way and Supervisor Randy Powell voted in favor, with Supervisor Jeremy Ruffner opposing and commenting that he had “no idea” why the board wanted to spend that much just for IT services.
Powell, however, indicated he had great confidence in Morefield Communications, which has done great work for the police department.
Both Powell and Way noted that because all bids for service were from professional companies, there was no requirement to accept the lowest bid proposal.
The regular meeting for Lawrence Township will be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 4:30 p.m.