Commissioners turn cold shoulder to Mac request

Flathead County commissioners were not receptive to a request that the county's information technology department begin supporting Apple products that the Flathead City-County Health Department would like to purchase.

County IT Director Vicky Saxby told commissioners that Joe Russell, the public health officer, asked her to begin supporting Apple electronic devices.

"He thinks iPads are cheaper than laptops," Saxby said of Russell. "It might be cheaper for the health department, but not for the county."

Saxby said she and her staff have concerns about whether the county's antivirus, security and email systems will work on Apple products.

The county has always used PCs and purchased Windows-based programs, she said.

"It would be a huge undertaking for us," Saxby said. "It could double our work load in some areas."

Saxby said Apple makes good products, but they are not the best computers for Flathead County government offices and work done by county employees.

Commissioner Jim Dupont said he doesn't want the county to own and maintain two computer systems.

He and Commissioners Dale Lauman and Pam Holmquist said they won't support the request.

"This is a county decision, not a health department decision," Dupont said.

Reporter Shelley Ridenour may be reached at 758-4439 or sridenour@dailyinterlake.com.