County OKs Proposal for Computer System

Although they admit they do not know where the money would come from to pay for it, Ventura County supervisors agreed Tuesday to approve in concept a proposal to develop a $17.9-million computer system linking all criminal justice agencies.

“We are going to make this work,” Supervisor Judy Mikels said. “This is the future. We’ve got to get more efficient.”

Indeed, officials said that despite the hefty cost of the computer system--which would be developed over the next four years--it will ultimately save the county money in the long run. The system would link for the first time the sheriff, district attorney, corrections services and the county courts system.

The Sheriff’s Department has already committed $2 million toward the project. Supervisors said they would probably have to seek out state and federal grants to help pay for the new system.

The board directed Chief Administrative Officer Lin Koester and Auditor-Controller Thomas O. Mahon to come up with other financing options and report back on their findings on Feb. 25.

Also Tuesday, the board approved a $1.1-million upgrade of the Public Social Services Agency’s computer system. The county will pitch in $284,000 toward the project, with the remainder of the money from state grants.