MECHANIC FALLS – The Town Council decided Monday night to wait before making a decision about a proposal to provide new software for the town office.

Computer programmer Robert Parnes of Mechanic Falls sent a written proposal to Town Manager Dana Lee on Sept. 30, offering to upgrade the municipal software network and provide technical support at a reduced cost.

Currently, the town contracts with Northern Data Systems for technical support at a cost of $8,000 per year. “The actual price that we’re paying is what’s staggering people,” Lee said.

Council Chairman William Diehl said the town needs to consider alternatives other than Northern Data Systems. “It’s a terrible price we’re paying.”

“The system in the town office is pretty well outdated,” Parnes said, adding that it is too complex and mixes data and calculations together. “It’s costing the town a lot of money to maintain it.”

Lee and several council members questioned Parnes about whether he could provide adequate support service because he works alone. Parnes said if he needs to hire an employee it would be an added cost for his business.

Parnes agreed to write a demonstration program for the town and the council will revisit the issue at a later date.

In other business, Lee reported that the renovations at the municipal building are on schedule and within the budget.

Lee also told the council that Dr. Ron Sharron withdrew his offer to purchase the former Marcal mill property. Sharron proposed this summer to develop a commercial complex at the site.

In another matter, Lee said a letter from Poland Town Manager Richard Chick stated that Oct. 6 was the last date Poland could haul solid waste from Mechanic Falls at the rate they had been charging. The Poland selectmen have indicated that the one hour rate they were charging Mechanic Falls is too low.

Also, the council waived fees for victualer’s licenses for churches and nonprofit organizations.

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