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2008 Indiana User Group Conference
On September 10th, 2008, approximately 250 clients from around the State joined Manatron at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Indianapolis for a daylong user group meeting themed Conquering Change.
The conference was kicked off with a brief corporate overview detailing changes within Manatron in addition to our strong health as a company. The highlight of the morning session was the keynote presentation provided local author and speaker Lou Russell. Lou provided some keen insight on how we can all deal with life changes we encounter on a daily basis. A copy of Lou’s presentation can be found on the Connexion website
Overview of Breakout Session 1
Auditors and Assessors worked jointly during this session. Vicki Cole demonstrated the new features of Proval version 7.10 and Kristie Bartosiak demonstrated the new features of MVPTax version 2.34. An in-depth discussion and demonstration of “integration” between Provald MVPTax consumed most of this breakout session.
We recognize a lot of new information was provided during this breakout session. Rest assured this was not intended to be a training session, it was informational only. Additional training sessions will be provided to each of you.
Treasurers received an update from Curtis Miller on the step-by-step procedures for processing Lender Interface files. This topic was followed by PowerPoint presentation demonstrating Manatron’s eGov solution, CollectMax, including discussion on one-time due date payments plans as well as current legislation (Senate Enrolled Act No. 208) allowing for a county to adopt an ordinance for taxpayer payment plans. He concluded with a brief presentation on the use of WebEx in conjunction with Manatron support assistance.
Recorders received an update on the MIRRS product and the latest version 4.08.04 which will be released in October. In addition, MIRRS version 5.00.00, anticipated for release in November, was reviewed. Specific s were provided about version 5.00.00 and its compatibility with Microsoft Vista and SQL 2005 with plans that version 5.00.00 will be the last functional release of MIRRS, clients will then be moved to Manatron’s GRM Recorder product over the next couple of years. Manatron will work with the MIRRS Advisory Council to formulate a transition plan to minimize impact on the existing MIRRS clients.
Breakout Session 2
Assessors were updated, and participated in a discussion on how to allocate properties within Proval in conjunction with the new legislation for tax caps. Additionally, new features for version 7.10 were previewed.
One of the best ways to ‘conquer change’ is to be prepared. During the afternoon breakout for Auditors, Melanie Schlegelmilch and Karen Bastin led the session to educate and prepare Auditors for upcoming processes. Melanie explained the background and importance of a new function in version 2.33: the Distribution Rate Import. Karen reviewed program changes for Final Distribution, and distributed updated training materials for balance worksheets. Other future development items pertaining to new credit and deduction types were also discussed.
Treasurers joined a round table discussion on the 2008 pay 2009 billing cycle. Treasurers were advised they should seek consideration from the DLGF, AIC , and or their legislators regarding any desired data elements they would like to see included on the tax bills.
Recorders were provided an in-depth overview of Manatron’s GRM Recorder product and its functionality. Specific attention was given to GRM Recorder’s .NET architecture, user security, document security, and audit logs. In addition future functionality was discussed by the group including; fraud monitoring, eRecording, submitter portals, and web certified copies.
Indiana Manatron Advisory Council
The Manatron Advisory Council is a vital component for Manatron and the entire user community at large. We’re lucky to have a dedicated Indiana Advisory Council made up of a diverse group of users from all across the State. Currently, the following counties participate on our Advisory Council:
ProVal Advisory Council
•Allen County – Stacey O’Day: President
•Benton County – Kelly Rose, Assessor: Vice President
•Hamilton County – Kim Powell, Hearing Officer
•Hancock County – Carole Maynard, Assessor
•Johnson County – Michael Watkins, Senior Staff Appraiser
•Monroe County – Judy Sharp, Assessor: Vice President
•Ohio County – Bobby Joe Keith, Assessor
•Randolph County – Bev Fields, Assessor
•Vanderburgh County – Jonathan Weaver, Assessor
•Vigo County – Debbie Lewis, Assessor
MVPTax Advisory Council
•Adams County – Bill Borne, Auditor: Vice President
•Adams County – Patrick Norton, IT Director
•Bartholomew County – Chris West, Deputy Auditor
•Dubois County – Sandy Morton, Deputy Auditor
•Gibson County – Jim Kolb, Treasurer
•Hamilton County – Kim Good, Treasurer
•Hamilton County – Phyllis Williams, System Administrator
•Hancock County – Trish Holliday, Deputy Auditor
•Hancock County – Janice Silvey, Treasurer
•Harrison County – Heather Metcalf, Deputy Auditor
•Howard County – Ann Wells, Auditor
•Howard County – Martha Lake, Treasurer
•Jackson County – Rita Hinners, Deputy Auditor: President
•Jennings County – Amy Williams, Deputy Auditor
•Parke County – Diana Hazlett, Auditor
MIRRS Advisory Council
•Crawford County - Dawn Wright, Recorder
•Floyd County - Linda Berger, Recorder
•Jay County - Betty St. Myers, Recorder
•Morgan County - Karen Brummett , Recorder
•Pulaski County - Lynn Wilder, Recorder
•Washington County - Cindy Zink, Recorder
On September 22, 2008 (during the Association of Indiana Counties Conference) we held a joint Advisory Council meeting with IPAC and IMAC members. Key items of discussion included:
•Feedback from the Indiana Manatron User Conference on September 10th.
•Update on Manatron and State Software Certification
•Review of 50 IAC 23 requirements for Integration
•Manatron International User Conference
Update on 50 IAC 23 Software Certification
MVPTax
On September 11th and 12th 2008, the Manatron MVPTax Team met with members of Crowe Horwath for certification testing of the MVPTax software in compliance with 50 IAC 23. After completing nearly 20 pages of testing scenarios, MVPTax software was found to have only a few minor corrective issues, requiring retesting. This retesting is scheduled for October 31, 2008 at which time Manatron MVPTax for Indiana is anticipated to be fully certified.
ProVal
The Proval Team had a “Readiness Call” with Crowe Horwath and the DLGF on October 10th and all went well. Actual testing of Proval is scheduled for November 12th and 13th, 2008.
Welcome New clients
Vanderburgh County
Home to the University of Southern Indiana (USI), Vanderburgh County sits along the Ohio River with a population of nearly 175,000 people. For nearly a decade now the Vanderburgh County Assessor has used Manatron’s Proval software for its Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) need. Recently the Vanderburgh County Auditor and Treasurer sought proposal for a variety of vendors to replace their aging Tax and Billing Software. Manatron is proud to have been selected by Vanderburgh County and we welcome the Auditor and Treasurer as part of our Statewide MVPTax family.
Tippecanoe County
A historic landmark in Indiana, Tippecanoe County’s heritage dates well into the early 1800’s with events such as the Battle of Tippecanoe led by then Indiana Territory Governor William Henry Harrison who later become our nation’s 9th President. Perhaps best known academically for the agricultural and engineering prowess of Purdue University, Tippecanoe County is a place where nearly 150,000 people call home. Tippecanoe County recently completed a selection process seeking an alternative and comprehensive solution for its existing assessment and tax/billing software. Manatron is honored to have been selected by Tippecanoe County and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.
Data Data Everywhere presentation at AIC Conference
On September 24, 2008 Scott Stephens along with Jim Sparks (State of Indiana Geographic Information Officer), Phil Worrall (Executive Director of the Indiana Geographic Information Council) and Dave Kleiman (Senior Vice President of Quest Information Systems) presented a workshop titled Data, Data Everywhere at the Association of Indiana Counties conference.
Scott Stephens discussed the lack of “authoritative data” currently being used by Internet based companies and the need for consumers to become better educated about the validity of this non-authoritative data. Scott also asked the question “Should local governmental agencies provide easier access to authoritative data so Internet consumers can use it to make better decisions?”.
Jim Sparks and Phil Worrall described the State’s need for access to local governmental data such as GIS and assessment information. The recent floods in Indiana provided an example of how the State could have better responded to FEMA’s requests for information without having to involve the local agencies.
Dave Kleiman provided an updated on Quest’s recent Statewide Voter Registration project with the Secretary of State’s office. Dave described examples where having access to a “statewide” repository of GIS data would immediately improve the overall efficiency of the voter registration program. Because this data is lacking today, the voter registration program is not nearly as complete as it could be.
A copy of the workshop presentations can be found on the Connexion website.
New Software Features
As part of the requirements of 50 IAC 23 and HEA 1001, MVPTax and Proval have some new features you should be aware of.
MVPTax
- Provisional Billing
- The Distribution Wizard now includes all changes necessary to perform a final distribution for counties with Circuit Breaker and Local Option Income Taxes.
Further changes were also incorporated to include the additional 5% penalty amount on state prescribed forms 102 and 105.
ProVal
- Allocations
- Sales Disclosure Integration
- Future Property Record
- Commercial Building Types
- Streamlined Screens