North Judson Town Council Approves Phone Upgrades, Discusses Website Plans

Posted on July 24, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The Town of North Judson is looking to save some money by upgrading its phone system. Last week, the town council approved a proposal from IT company Datacrates to install an Internet-based phone system.

The town will get five phones for a cost of $199 a month, plus a one-time installation charge. Currently, the town pays CenturyLink about $974 a month for combined phone and Internet service, according to Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins. While the town plans to switch the phone service, it will continue to pay CenturyLink nearly $245 a month for Internet.

Council member John Rowe said the switch seemed like a no-brainer. “After three months, it pays for itself, basically,” he said. “Four months, it’s completely paid for, and then we’re just saving $450 a month, every month.”

Datacrates has also offered to build and maintain a website for North Judson, for $45 a month, plus a one-time setup charge. Under the plan, each town department would get its own web page, and residents would be able to pay water bills and view the town’s ordinances online. Collins suggested that the town hold off on the website until next year, but use Datacrates’ estimate to build the cost into the 2018 budget.

Council member James Young has also been gathering estimates for a new website. Datacrates was recommended by Town Marshal Kelly Fisher. Company owner Brian Pinson used to be Starke County’s IT director. He’s built websites for the Starke County government, the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, and the City of Knox.

Council members agreed that Collins should include the cost of a website when working on next year’s budget.