Rutherford County is set to enhance its public safety operations significantly after the Board of Commissioners approved a multi-year agreement for new public safety software during their recent meeting on August 4, 2025. This decision aims to replace the outdated Central Square system, which has been criticized for its sluggish performance and complexity involving 27 servers.

The new software, provided by Southern Software, promises to streamline operations by reducing the server requirement to just two, thereby improving efficiency and reliability. The transition to this new system is expected to save the county approximately $90,000 annually in maintenance costs, with the current expenditure being around $190,000 per year.

The software will not only improve internal operations but also enhance public engagement through a Citizen Connect portal, allowing residents to access information such as crime statistics and registered offenders in their neighborhoods. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make Rutherford County a hub for data sharing among local agencies, fostering better communication and collaboration.

The Board's approval also included contingencies for unforeseen costs related to the implementation of the software and associated equipment. The county manager and attorney will negotiate the final terms of the contract, with a projected go-live date for the new system set for July 1, 2026.

In addition to the software agreement, the meeting highlighted ongoing construction projects, including new classroom facilities that are progressing rapidly. The Board expressed gratitude for community support and emphasized the importance of these developments in enhancing local services.

As Rutherford County moves forward with these initiatives, residents can anticipate improved public safety services and greater access to vital information, marking a significant step toward modernizing the county's infrastructure and operations.