BY STEVE KEMME
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HAMILTON -- Butler County is taking steps to guard against massive computer shutdowns that could be triggered by the arrival of the year 2000. The county already has modified and tested some of its computer software systems to ensure that they will operate into the next century.
The rest of the county systems are now being modified and tested, and Butler is asking agencies and companies it has contracts with to certify that their computer systems will operate when 2000 comes, said Greg Sullivan, manager of information services in the county auditor's office.
"We're addressing the problem," he said. "It's a high priority." Governments, businesses and personal computer users throughout the country have been worried that many computers, which designate years with two digits, will crash in 2000, when "99" becomes "00," which also is used for 1900 on computers.
Butler County Commissioner Courtney Combs said he thinks the county is doing everything it can to prepare for 2000, but he still has concerns.
"I feel comfortable that Butler County is ahead of the process," said Mr. Combs, who is president of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. "But I'm not so sure we have all the answers. I'm not sure that anybody does."
There may be some problems that no one can anticipate, he said. "It's a little bit scary."
A breakdown of county computer systems could affect everything from water and sewer bills and building and zoning permits to real estate assessments and voter registration.
Computer systems that already have been modified and tested include juvenile court docketing and statistics, building and zoning permits, fixed assets, payroll, cigarette and vendor licensing, animal registration, the recorder's office, common pleas court jury management and prosecutor case management, Mr. Sullivan said.
The county is testing computer systems for the treasurer's fund book, real estate assessments and voter registration.
But computer problems may surface before 2000.
Mr. Combs said he learned at a recent state seminar in Columbus for county commissioners and county auditors that a widespread computer shutdown could occur Sept. 9, 1999. That date would register on computers as "9999," a numerical combination designed to shut off many computers, he said.
Mr. Sullivan also is looking into that potential problem, he said.
Mr. Combs said he's also worried that county computer shutdowns could draw lawsuits from businesses and individuals who are affected by them. That's an additional reason the county can't afford to take the situation lightly.
"If something fails in Butler County's computer systems and we go to court, we can honestly say we've done everything possible," he said.
