County reaches decision on GIS program

Nevada Daily Mail

The Vernon County Commissioners came to a decision Wednesday morning and signed a document concerning their plan for completing the parcel layer of the geographic information system, which has been out of compliance with the State Tax Commission for about seven years.

Each layer shows a different type of information that can be displayed, like the transparent overlays used on paper maps.

The commissioners decided to go with the plan they received from Vernon County assessor Cherie Roberts Tuesday afternoon, which stated they would continue working on the GIS with the new deadline of May 31, 2016.

"You started it, we would like to see you finish it," presiding commissioner Joe Hardin said to GIS director Tim Bourassa.

Bourassa will now focus his attention solely on the GIS while other employees take care of his other, everyday responsibilities.

"Tell everyone you're not available for anything," northern commissioner Neal Gerster told Bourassa, as Bourassa said being able to isolate himself and focus on the project is the only way he will be able to complete it by the deadline.

However, before he can spend all of his time working on the parcel layer, Bourassa will need to spend the next month or so to completing the installation of a new server. Once that is complete, he will focus on the GIS and complete the new employees' training after that task is accomplished.

"I appreciate the lockdown status," Bourassa said. "It makes a difference."

Bourassa said they have already completed the hardest part of the program and now have to finish filling in pieces through the parcel layering. They will also have to finish labeling all the maps, but some of the other employees will be able to assist with that.

The Tax Commission requires updates at the start of each month to ensure progress is being made, and Bourassa said he would also provide progress reports for the commissioners each month as well as the current status of the program so they know the starting point.

"It's all yours," Gerster told Bourassa.

Through their compliance with the agreement, the county will receive the 2015 reimbursement funds, totaling $19,403, this month. The 2016 funds of $44,400 would be released to the county in two payments, the first $25,000 in December 2015 and the remaining $19,400 upon completion of the project if it is done by June 2016.