ADRIAN — Lenawee County officials are flagging a sharp increase in information technology costs as several major software contracts renew.
During an accounts payable and year-end reconciliation meeting, the county’s Information Technology budget showed an increase of roughly $272,000 for 2025.
County administrators explained the rise is largely tied to software and service contracts used across multiple departments, not just internal IT operations. One major contract increased by about 80% compared to the previous year, with officials noting the pricing was non-negotiable.
The IT department serves as the central holder for many countywide software agreements, including systems used by courts and other departments, which concentrates those costs in a single budget line.
Officials said rising technology expenses are becoming more common as vendors adjust pricing and counties rely more heavily on integrated digital systems.
The budget amendments were unanimously approved by the committee and will move forward to the full Lenawee County Board of Commissioners for consideration.